Today is the fourth day of the inaugural voyage of Wonder of the Seas. I (Jenna) am taking over the live blog from Matt for the rest of the cruise, and I can’t wait to keep discovering both the ship and ports of call throughout the week.

I started my morning by finishing up our FULL ship tour of Wonder of the Seas. Have you seen it yet? Be sure to check it out on our YouTube channel for an in-depth tour and guide to the ship.

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Breakfast today was a highly anticipated event: brunch at The Mason Jar. I had enjoyed dinner at The Mason Jar earlier in the sailing, but the brunch menu was something I was definitely looking forward to trying.

Before eating, I attended a cocktail demonstration where we could learn more about the full list of new cocktails available at The Mason Jar.

There is an extensive selection of brand new cocktails available, from the Mississippi Moonlight to the PB&J Old Fashioned and Mint Julep. The menu also includes a few dessert cocktails, such as the All Shook-Up milkshake with peanut butter whiskey and banana cream rum, and ice cream and soda floats. Both alcoholic and nonalcoholic floats are available.

The brunch menu is split into savory and sweet options, and each meal starts with an appetizer of Jalapeño Cornbread and Pimento Cheese and Saltines.

My first thought as our brunch entrees were brought to the table was WOW! I ordered the Red Velvet Pancakes topped with cream cheese icing. Other members of the table ordered Meemaw’s Fried Chicken N’ Waffles and the Sweet-Tooth Cinnamon Roll.

I enjoyed my dinner at The Mason Jar, but as I am partial to loving breakfast food, brunch was certainly a highlight of my cruise so far.

I watched Wonder of the Seas sail into San Juan as I was touring the Suite Neighborhood. We arrived in Puerto Rico at 1PM and the ship was not leaving until 9PM. This was my first time experiencing an evening spent in port, so I was excited to explore the city during both day and night.

After catching up on work, we disembarked the ship around 4PM. As we headed down the pier, a Royal Caribbean Blog reader came up to us and told us we must try the pastries from the baker at the end of the pier. He sells homemade pastries from the back of his car, and the guava and cheese pastry was a great pick-me-up before exploring San Juan.

While I have been to San Juan before, I had never come here on a cruise, and I was pleased to find out how convenient it is as a cruise port. Wonder of the Seas was docked in the heart of Old San Juan, so the whole historic area is easily accessible by foot.

The breezy afternoon weather was perfect for walking around, and we spent some time strolling through the city’s colorful cobblestone streets.

As sunset drew near, we grabbed a drink and walked along the sidewalk heading to El Morro, a historic citadel at the edge of Old San Juan. El Morro is surrounded by spacious greenery, which makes for nice people watching.

We continued our walk along the Paseo de la Princesa, a waterfront boardwalk that borders the historic walls once used to protect the city.

As the sun set, we walked to La Factoría, a local restaurant and bar in Old San Juan. This unassuming venue located on a corner with no signage turned out to be a great choice for dinner and drinks.

The menu focuses more on small bites than big entrees, and we enjoyed fish tacos and almojábanas, a type of cheese bread found throughout Latin America.

It was nice to be able to spend an evening in port as opposed to on the ship. As this isn’t very common on cruise itineraries, I enjoyed having dinner at a local spot and walking through the city’s streets at night.

Back onboard, I went to the AquaTheater for the showcase of inTENse. This is the first AquaTheater show with an all-female cast. While the full show itself is not ready yet (the cast just got onboard a few weeks ago), a showcase is being performed this week with bits and pieces of the show.

As we left San Juan the seas were pretty choppy, so the showcase was shortened to a brief segment. What I saw, though, was spectacular, so I am excited to see the rest of the showcase later this week. Our show reservations were automatically switched to Thursday evening instead when we should encounter better weather.

I called it a night after the AquaTheater performance to get some rest for a full day at sea tomorrow.

Stray Observations

In the Royal Promenade today were some of the set pieces for Anchor Aweigh, a parade coming to the Royal Promenade. While the parade is not yet ready for this week, it looks like it will be an interesting thing to see on future sailings.

There have been surprises waiting in our cabins on every night of this sailing. Tonight was a plate of macarons and other small patisserie. 

There's a good chance your Caribbean cruise will visit Nassau, Bahamas, so what should you do on your visit there?

Nassau is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world because of its close proximity to Florida and beautiful white sand beaches and blue ocean water.

I visit The Bahamas at least once a month on a cruise ship, and it's not the kind of place you want to try to "wing it", because not everything is a great choice.

Likewise, many cruise passengers skip Nassau altogether and stay on the ship, believing that there is nothing worth seeing or doing on the island. This assumption could not be more incorrect!

Whether you’re looking for a beach day, hoping to try local foods, or learn about Bahamian history and culture, there are plenty of exciting activities to choose from in Nassau.

Beaches

Islands for a beach day

Day passes at resorts

Adventures on and in the water

Food & drink

History & museums

Walk around downtown Nassau

Beaches

New Providence Island, where Nassau is located, has plenty of beaches to choose from. Most beaches are free and open to the public, and some are located just a short walk from the cruise terminal. Here are some of the most popular and recommended beaches in Nassau:

• Cabbage Beach is a free, public beach on the north side of Paradise Island. It is considered one of the best beaches in the Bahamas due to its soft sand and clean, clear blue waters. Chairs and umbrellas are available to rent from locals.
• Cable Beach is another famous beach in Nassau, and is located in front of many major hotels and resorts.
• Junkanoo Beach is the closest beach to the cruise terminal, and thus a popular spot for cruise passengers. Junkanoo Beach is not only convenient due to its proximity to the cruise ships, but it has restroom, shower, and changing facilities available. There are also several bars and restaurants located nearby.

• Saunders Beach is located 2.5 miles away from the cruise terminal and is a quieter, calm beach ideal for families. Saunders Beach has restroom facilities and a playground available, although guests will have to bring their own towels or chairs to the beach, as rentals are not available. 
• Love Beach is around 9 miles away from the cruise port, but offers a tranquil beach day away from the crowds. Chair rentals are available and the Nirvana Beach Bar is located on the beach, offering food and drinks.
• Jaws Beach, which was the filming location for Jaws III, is further away from the other beaches mentioned above, but offers a beach day away from the hustle and bustle of the resorts and downtown area. Bringing snorkel gear to Jaws Beach is a must, as there are sculptures and Hollywood memorabilia located underwater. The beach is located next to Clifton Heritage Park, a protected area with trails, beaches, rocky shorelines, and picnic areas.

The beaches of Nassau offer varied amenities, so be sure to check what is offered or located nearby at each beach.

One common issue faced by those visiting public beaches is the lack of restroom facilities. Many beaches are lined with hotels and resorts, but their facilities are only available to guests. One way around this is to find a nearby restaurant or bar when you need a restroom.

Islands for a beach day

Pearl Island

Pearl Island is located eight miles east of Nassau. Guests will travel to Pearl Island via boat from the cruise port and spend the day relaxing on the island’s beaches, enjoying a traditional Bahamian lunch, walking around the island’s paths, and participating in water activities.

Transportation, lunch, kayaks, paddleboards, beach chairs, water mats and trampolines, showers, and bathroom facilities are included in the day pass for guests. Guests can also access the island’s lighthouse at no extra cost. The excursion usually costs around $100.

A snorkeling tour is also available for $15 extra and lockers can be rented for the day for $10. You can book a day pass to Pearl Island on the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner or Pearl Island’s website.

Guests looking for a more exclusive experience at Pearl Island can reserve a VIP Cabana. Cabanas include sun chairs, an all-inclusive drink package, butler service, and lunch. The cabana also has a fully stocked cooler, complimentary towels, a power outlet, and ceiling fan.

In addition, guests have access to water maps, kayaks, paddle boards, snorkeling, and a floating trampoline. Prices for the cabana usually run around $240/per adult, and online reservations are for a maximum of two guests, although larger parties may be accommodated.

Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon Island is another small island north of downtown Nassau. The boat ride from the cruise port to Blue Lagoon is included in the fare, which is usually around $85-100.

The island has several beaches, small lagoons, hammocks, beach chairs, umbrellas, and games. Water sports (kayaks, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, etc.) come at an additional cost.

Guests interested in seeing marine life can book excursions such as the “Dolphin Encounter and Beach Day” or “Sea Lion Encounter and Beach Day”. During these excursions, guests can get up close and personal with animals to observe them in their natural habitat.

Other tours available at Blue Lagoon Island include a segway and eco nature walking tour. Those looking for a VIP experience can choose to book the VIP Blue Lagoon Island Beach Day.

As a VIP guest on Blue Lagoon Island, guests will receive lunch as well as unlimited Bahama Mama cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages. VIP guests will have a lounge chair in the adults-only VIP beach. Snorkeling equipment is included for VIP guests.

Lunch is included in the excursion to Blue Lagoon as well, where you can enjoy hamburgers, chicken, veggie burgers, Caribbean rice, and a salad bar.

Balmoral Island

Balmoral Island is located a thirty minute boat ride from the cruise port and offers a picture-perfect beach day to guests with clear water, beach chairs and umbrellas, and two fresh-water pools.

Paddleboards, kayaks, and snorkel gear are available to rent, and the island also offers nature tours with dolphins and stingrays. Tropical beach bars, food, and a Starbucks are available on the island for an extra cost.

Day passes at resorts

Several hotels and resorts in Nassau offer day passes, which allow cruise ship guests to access the resorts’ amenities for the day. Some day passes are all-inclusive, whereas others give guests a monetary voucher for food and drinks. [Note: we use affiliate links here, which charge you nothing extra but earn us a few dollars for referring you!]

There are several hotels and resorts offering day passes in Nassau:

• Margaritaville Beach Resort & Waterpark, a new resort with a private beach, two swimming pools, a waterpark, lazy river, hot tub, and pool bar. The resort is located a 15 minute walk from the cruise area. Spa services are available at an extra cost. This resort is not all-inclusive for day pass guests.
  • Full review here
• Warwick Paradise Island Bahamas, a resort located on the harbor side of Paradise Island. There is a small beach here, but the main attraction are the large pool areas. Other activities, including tennis, bicycles, and beach volleyball, are included in the day pass. The Warwick is all-inclusive, so all food and drinks are included.
  • Full review here
• Breezes Resort & Spa, a resort located on Cable Beach in Nassau, includes beach access, a swim-up bar, three freshwater pools, and a jacuzzi. Breezes is an all-inclusive day pass.
• RIU Palace, an adults-only, all-inclusive resort on Cabbage Beach on Paradise Island. RIU Palace has a swim-up bar, reserved beach area, and two swimming pools. A hot & cold buffet and pool-side barbecue station are available for guests.

There are a few advantages to a day pass as opposed to going to a beach on your own. First, not all public beaches in Nassau have restrooms or cover if it starts raining. Second, if you take advantage of the all-inclusive food and drinks, plus the pool and beach access, day passes can be a good deal.

Atlantis Paradise Island

Many cruise passengers are eager to visit Atlantis Paradise Island, a resort with 3,805 rooms, a waterpark, shopping areas, casino, and a 154-acre waterscape. The waterscape includes lagoons, pools, and habitats for marine animals.

Amenities and activities at the resort are split into two categories: areas open to the general public and areas available only for guests or day pass visitors.

Free areas to visit at the Atlantis include the casino, indoor shopping areas, and several dining venues. You can also visit Marina Village, an outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment space located around the Atlantis Marina, at no extra cost.

Those looking to experience the rest of the resort can purchase day passes. There are a few types of day passes available, some of which give access just to the beach whereas others have access to the beach and waterpark.

Those looking for an exhilarating day may want to reserve a day pass to the Aquaventure Oasis Waterpark at The Atlantis. This is a 141-acre waterpark with pools, waterslides, river rapids, and splash pads for kids. Waterpark guests also receive access to the Marine Habitat, a series of aquariums with over 50,000 aquatic animals.

Baha Mar

The Baha Mar is another luxury resort located on Paradise Island. Located on the resort is the 15-acre Baha Bay waterpark which offers a limited number of day passes.

Baha Bay includes 24 waterslides, a lazy river, FlowRider, infinity pool, wave pool, kids-only pool and slide area, and an outdoor casino. Day pass holders also have beach access.

General admission to Baha Bay is currently $160, while junior admission (guests under 48”) is $65.

Adventures on and in the water

Boat tours

Passengers looking to set sail and explore Nassau from the sea have plenty of options. Royal Caribbean offers tours such as the Discover Nassau Harbor Cruise, which brings guests on a scenic catamaran ride around Paradise Island as they learn about the history and culture of Nassau. A hybrid sea and land tour is also available, where guests start the tour on a catamaran and end with a land tour of downtown Nassau.

A kid-friendly boat tour is Blackbeard’s Pirate Revenge, which takes guests around Nassau in an 18th century pirate ship replica. The boat’s crew are dressed as pirates who tell pirate tales, share history, and provide an immersive experience for guests onboard.

Snorkeling and scuba diving

There are plenty of scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities in Nassau. Visitors to Nassau can choose to bring their own snorkel gear or book a snorkeling excursion through Royal Caribbean or an outside provider.

Royal Caribbean offers the Nassau Sail & Reef Snorkeling tour, which brings guests on a sailboat to coral reefs near Spruce Cay and Athol Island. The benefit of booking with a tour as opposed to snorkeling on your own is that you do not have to pack snorkeling gear with you for the cruise. However, if your itinerary visits several islands where you want to snorkel, it might be worth it to bring your own gear as opposed to booking excursions or gear rentals.

Scuba diving opportunities are also plentiful in Nassau. Stuart Cove is the main diving provider on New Providence Island. They offer Discover Scuba dives for first-time divers as well as dives for certified divers to the coral reels, shipwrecks, and walls around the island. Stuart Cove is also the diving provider for Royal Caribbean shore excursions.

Food & drink

Bahamian food tour

Photo by Tru Bahamian Food Tours

A huge aspect of discovering new cultures is trying new foods, and Nassau offers plenty of opportunities to do so.

Royal Caribbean offers the Island Food & Culinary Insight tour, which takes guests on an air-conditioned ride around Nassau to taste local food and drinks. The tour makes stops at Tasty Teas, the World Famous Fish Fry, Potters Cay Dock, and John Watling’s Distillery. Guests on this tour will have the opportunity to taste dishes like conch fritters, Bahamian teas, and fresh seafood.

There are tours offered by outside providers as well. One of the most popular providers is Tru Bahamian Food Tours, who offers a selection of tours geared toward discovering Bahamian cuisine.

The most popular tour is the Bites of Nassau Food Tasting & Cultural Walking Tour, during which guests stop at six tasting locations around downtown Nassau to taste local foods including steamed chicken, Caribbean rice, and rum cakes.

You can, of course, do a food tour on your own by walking or taking a taxi to the popular bars and restaurants in Nassau. 

A must-see spot to include on a food tour is the Fish Fry, a strip of restaurants and vendors specializing in seafood including conch, grilled shrimp, fried snapper, and lobster tails. The main fish fry in Nassau is conveniently located near the cruise port at Arawak Cay.

Visit the Rum Cake Factory

The Bahamas Rum Cake Factory was established in 2000 and has since been named the Official Rum Cake of the Bahamas. This is a popular spot to taste traditional Bahamian rum cake and buy a delicious souvenir for friends and family.

The factory is a short walk from the cruise port. Guests will be greeted with the strong smell of fresh cake (and rum). There is a small window inside so guests can see how rum cakes are made.

Free samples are available as well, so you can taste several flavors before choosing your favorite. Flavors include pineapple, chocolate, caramel, Irish cream, Kentucky honey bourbon, and the original rum cake with pecans.

This is a quick stop with most guests in and out in fifteen minutes.

Take a tour of John Watling's Distillery

John Watling’s Distillery is a distillery located on a historic estate founded in 1789. A free, short distillery tour with tastings is available.

Hand-crafted cocktails available include the Canchera Rum, which is made with amber rum, Bahamian honey, lemon juice, and club soda, and Skylarkin’, made with pale and coconut rum, coconut pulp, coconut water, and nutmeg.

History & museums

Downtown Nassau is home to several museums which can be a nice activity to do on days with poor weather or after you return to the cruise port from a shore excursion. These museums are all walkable from the cruise port, and most are relatively small, so visiting each museum will not take too much time.

Pirates of Nassau Museum

Nassau was at the heart of piracy from 1690 to 1720, when Nassau was taken over by English privateers who became lawless pirates. The Pirates of Nassau Museum allows guests of all ages to relive history, learn about piracy, and even step foot on a replica of a historic pirate ship.

Admission is $13.50 for adults and $6.75 for children 4-17.

Pompey Museum of Slavery & Emancipation

A small yet informative museum, the Pompey Museum of Slavery & Emancipation takes visitors through the story of Pompey, a slave who started a rebellion in 1830 in Steventon, Exuma.

The museum has a series of educational panels providing stories and descriptions of slavery in the Bahamas throughout history, and its impact on the culture and traditions seen in the Bahamas today. There is a small entrance fee to visit the museum.

National Art Gallery of the Bahamas

Guests interested in Bahamian art and culture may want to visit the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas. Culture, folklore, and history are demonstrated at the museum through local art. The museum has new exhibits fairly often as well.

The entrance fee is $10 for guests and free for children under 12.

Educulture Junkanoo Museum

Junkanoo is the most popular festival in the Bahamas. A colorful street parade with music, dance, and costumes, Junkanoo takes place on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day each year.

Guests wanting to learn more about Junkanoo can do so any day of the year at the Educulture Junkanoo Museum. The museum has costumes, traditional fabrics, music, and informational panels on display for guests to learn more about the festival’s history and influence in the Bahamas. There is a small fee to enter the museum.

The Heritage Museum of the Bahamas

The Heritage Museum of the Bahamas takes visitors on a journey from pre-historic times in the Bahamas to today. The museum has relics and artifacts on display, such as an extensive sample of items in a Bahamian grocery shop in 1900 to an exhibit of tools used during slavery.

A small fee is required to enter the museum and optional guided tours are available.

Walk around downtown Nassau

A free activity to do in port is walk around downtown Nassau. Royal Caribbean and outside providers offer historical walking tours of Nassau, although the sites are all easily accessible on your own. Plenty of Nassau’s most historic sites are located just a 5 or 10 minute walk from the cruise port.

Popular sites to visit include:

• The Queen’s Staircase, a 66-step landmark carved out of limestone in 1793, providing a direct route from downtown Nassau to Fort Fincastle. The staircase was named after Queen Victoria. Located in a lush, limestone alley with a waterfall, the Queen’s Staircase is easily accessible from the cruise port.
• Fort Fincastle, a historic fort built in 1793 to protect Nassau from pirates. A relatively small fort at 126 feet, Fort Fincastle is free to access, although entering the inside of the fort comes at a small fee. (The inside of the fort has been closed due to Covid-19, although that can change at any time).
• Rawson Square, a public square lined with government buildings and home to activities and festivals throughout the year
• The Straw Market, a large flea market selling souvenirs including handmade Bahamian straw products such as purses and hats, as well as cheaper, factory-made items like t-shirts and bracelets. Be sure to haggle on the price before buying anything at the Straw Market.

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Royal Caribbean’s Radiance Class ships were built to sail around the entire world. They offer among the most diverse itineraries in the entire fleet, offering cruises to far-flung destinations including the Arctic Circle, Vanuatu, and Turkey, as well as more familiar destinations such as the Bahamas and Mexico.

The Radiance Class is on the smaller end of ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet and offers a more traditional cruise experience than what you may find on the newest and biggest ships.

However, the elegance, architecture, and traditional experience is what makes these cruise ships so charming. Let’s take a closer look at what Royal Caribbean’s Radiance Class ships have to offer.

Radiance Class cruise ships

• Radiance of the Seas is the first Radiance Class ship, and she primarily sails from Vancouver, Seward, and Sydney, offering cruises to Alaska, Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific. Occasionally she offers transpacific and repositioning voyages.
• Brilliance of the Seas is the second Radiance Class ship, and she sails from Tampa, Venice (Ravenna), Barcelona, and Rome, offering cruises to the Caribbean and Europe.
• Serenade of the Seas is the third Radiance Class ship, and she primarily sails from Vancouver, Seward, and Sydney, offering cruises to Alaska, Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific. Like Radiance, transpacific and repositioning voyages are sometimes offered.
• Jewel of the Seas is the fourth Radiance Class ship, and she primarily sails from Miami, Amsterdam, and Barcelona, offering European and Caribbean cruises. Her wide range of itineraries brings guests to destinations including Greece, Turkey, and the Arctic Circle.

The layout of Radiance Class ships differs from most classes of Royal Caribbean’s ships. Instead of a Royal Promenade or Royal Esplanade thoroughfare, Radiance Class ships have a Centrum.

The Centrum is a large, open area within the ship. A set of elevators runs up the Centrum, and shops, bars, cafes, and guest service amenities are found on the decks surrounding the elevators.

The Radiance Class first debuted with the maiden voyage of Radiance of the Seas in 2001. This makes the Radiance Class ships newer than the Voyager Class ships, but smaller in size.

The Radiance Class ships are all of a similar length, gross tonnage (GT), and capacity (at double capacity):

• Radiance of the Seas: Capacity of 2,466 guests, 962’ long, 90,090 GT
• Brilliance of the Seas: Capacity of 2,543 guests, 962’ long, 90,090 GT
• Serenade of the Seas: Capacity of 2,476 guests, 965’ long, 90,090 GT
• Jewel of the Seas: Capacity of 2,702 guests, 962’ long, 90,090 GT

Activities and things to do

Pool deck

The main pool deck on Radiance Class ships features one pool and two jacuzzis. There is ample seating area on the pool deck, too, as well as a pool bar. The Sky Bar is another bar located on the running deck above the main pool area, and the venue offers fantastic views of the pool and ocean.

The adults-only Solarium on Radiance Class has one pool and a jacuzzi. As Radiance Class ships were built to sail in all climates, they feature a retractable glass roof that allows the area to be either indoors or outdoors.

Adventure Beach is the pool area for kids onboard Radiance Class ships, and features a small waterslide, pool, and shallow splash area. Adventure Beach is conveniently located in the aft of the pool deck next to other family-friendly activities onboard.

Sports & kid-friendly activities

Radiance Class ships have a rock climbing wall, basketball/sports court, and a mini golf course. These activities are all complimentary for guests. Some activities may have set times listed in the Cruise Planner, so be sure to keep an eye on when activities are open.

There is an arcade on all Radiance Class ships. Radiance Class ships also all have Adventure Ocean, Royal Caribbean’s children’s programming.

Adventure Ocean is for children aged 6 months to 17 years, and kids are broken into age groups for programming. Teens 12-17 have their own hangout area onboard where they can socialize and meet new friends to hang out with throughout the cruise.

Thermal spa

Radiance Class ships have a thermal spa onboard, and guests can purchase passes to access it for the duration of the cruise. The thermal spa includes a steam room, infrared sauna, rainforest shower room, and hot stone chairs.

In addition to the thermal spa, regular spa and salon services as well as a fitness center are available.

Other activities

Like all Royal Caribbean ships, a variety of other activities are offered throughout the cruise. Activities on Radiance Class ships may include trivia, dance classes, live music, craft classes, language lessons, and theme nights.

Unique features of Radiance Class ships

Radiance Class ships were built with over three acres of glass. Because of this, the ocean is viewable from nearly any vantage point onboard. This is one of the favorite features of Radiance Class ships among cruisers.

Even the glass elevators on Radiance Class ships look out to the ocean, providing excellent views of the sea as you make your way up and down the ship.

Looking to watch a movie? Radiance Class ships are the only Royal Caribbean ships to have their own movie theater onboard. The cinema on Radiance Class ships show movies free of charge throughout the day.

Another unique feature only found on Radiance Class ships is the rotating bar located in the nightclub area of the Viking Crown Lounge. The circular bar area rotates 360 degrees so that you can enjoy spectacular views no matter which side of the bar you sit on. 

Entertainment and venues on Radiance Class ships

The primary entertainment venue on Radiance Class ships is the theater. The main entertainment lineup on Radiance Class ships is as follows:

• Radiance of the Seas: Piano Man and City of Dreams
• Brilliance of the Seas: Tango Buenos Aires, Center Stage, and Now and Forever
• Serenade of the Seas: Stage to Screen and Vibeology
• Jewel of the Seas: Tango Buenos Aires, West End to Broadway, and City of Dreams

In addition to shows in the theater, each Radiance Class ship offers plenty of other entertainment options such as live music, comedians, vocalists, dance parties, game shows, and more.

Dining & beverage

Radiance Class ships share the following dining and bar venues:

• Windjammer Marketplace
• Main Dining Room (name differs by ship)
• Chef’s Table
• Chops Grille
• Giovanni’s Table
• Izumi 
• Caffe Latte-tudes
• Park Cafe (Solarium Cafe on Jewel of the Seas)
• Schooner Bar
• Solarium Bar
• Pool bar
• Sky Bar
• Viking Crown Lounge
• English-style pub (excluding Jewel of the Seas)
• Vintages (excluding Radiance of the Seas)

In the aft of deck 6 of each Radiance Class ship is a series of lounge and pool table areas. They have different names on each ship (Zanzibar Lounge, The Congo Bar, Singapore Slings, Jakarta Lounge, etc.), but they all have the same concept.

This multipurpose venue has self-leveling pool tables, plenty of seating, bars, and a dance floor area used for live music and activities.

Outdoor dining

Radiance Class ships have a large outdoor seating area at the Windjammer. This is located in the very aft of the ships, and offers beautiful views while enjoying your meal with fresh air and a sea breeze.

Differences between the Radiance Class cruise ships

Radiance of the Seas has several more dining venues compared to other Radiance Class ships. 

First is Samba Grill, a specialty restaurant Brazilian steakhouse following the traditional rodizio dining experience. This is an all-you-can-eat experience where waiters go from table to table offering a variety of meats. In addition to meat, there is a buffet for sides and salads.

The Boardwalk Dog House is also available on Radiance of the Seas. Located on the pool deck, this complimentary venue serves options of hot dogs and sausages that guests can top with their favorite condiments.

Radiance of the Seas is the only Radiance Class ship without a Vintages onboard. Instead, she has a champagne bar, where guests can taste a variety of champagnes and wines. The location has elegant decor and glass windows overlooking the ocean.

In lieu of the English-style pub found on most other Royal Caribbean ships, Jewel of the Seas has The Pit Stop. This is a sports bar featuring several television screens and sports-themed decor.

Jewel of the Seas is the only Radiance Class ship without a Royal Babies & Tots nursery onboard. She has Adventure Ocean facilities for ages 3-17, but no nursery option.

Unique itineraries of Radiance Class ships

A major advantage of sailing on a Radiance Class ship is that the itineraries tend to be much more diverse than what you will find on larger ships. Because of their size, Radiance Class ships are able to fit into more ports around the world, and also pass through the Panama Canal. 

Here are a few examples of the unique itineraries available on Radiance Class ships:

• 7-night Southbound Alaska & Hubbard Cruise on Radiance of the Seas, visiting Seward, Hubbard Glacier, Juneau, Skagway, Haines, Icy Point Straight, Ketchikan, and the Canadian Inside Passage, before ending in Vancouver. Land-based Cruise Tours are available in Alaska prior to the sailing.
• 7-night Greek Isles Cruise on Brilliance of the Seas, visiting Rome, the Amalfi Coast, Sicily, Santorini, Ephesus, Mykonos, and Athens
• 10-night South Pacific Cruise on Radiance of the Seas, visiting Isle of Pines and Noumea in New Caledonia, Mystery Island and Port Vila in Vanuatu, and Lifou, Loyalty Islands
• 9-night Norwegian Fjords Cruise on Jewel of the Seas, visiting the Norwegian ports of Olden, Flam, Geiranger, Alesund, and Kristiansand
• 12-night Iceland & Scotland Cruise on Jewel of the Seas, visiting Akureyri and Reykjavik in Iceland as well as Shetland, Inverness, and Edinburgh in Scotland

In addition to these unique itineraries, Radiance Class ships also sail to more common ports in the Caribbean including Perfect Day at CocoCay, St. Maarten, San Juan, and Labadee, among others.

Serenade of the Seas will be sailing around the world during Royal Caribbean’s first World Cruise, from December 2023 to September 2024. During the World Cruise, she will visit all 7 continents, 11 world wonders, and over 150 destinations in over 60 countries.

Who is the Radiance Class best for?

Radiance Class ships are a great fit for guests looking for a traditional cruise experience without all the bells and whistles found on the newest ships. There are a variety of complimentary and dining options to try, plenty of bars to choose from, and a range of entertainment throughout the cruise.

And while Radiance Class ships may not offer the latest activities for kids, such as bumper cars and the FlowRider, there is still plenty for kids to do onboard. From the rock climbing wall to Adventure Ocean and the sports court, kids will have many activities to try on a Radiance Class ship.

Solo travelers will especially benefit from the stateroom selections on Radiance Class ships. Each ship has 3 studio interior rooms available to book on any sailing. The benefit of sailing in a studio room is that your cruise fare will be much lower, as you do not have to pay a single supplement fee for staying in a normal room.

If you’re looking to try the biggest and most popular Royal Caribbean ships, the Radiance Class is not the best option for you. But if you’re looking for a relaxing, classic cruise experience, you will certainly find that on a Radiance Class ship.

Radiance Class tips & secrets

Be sure to try out the self-leveling pool tables on Radiance Class ships. They are the only pool tables that do this in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, so you won’t have to worry about your game messing up if the seas are rocky!

The Radiance Class offers plenty of balconies with views of the aft. These often sell out quickly, so be sure to book well in advance to get a cabin with one of these views.

The helicopter (helipad) is accessible for guests on Radiance Class ships. This is a fantastic spot to watch sailaway or view the unique destinations visited during your cruise. The Promenade Deck is also a relaxing spot onboard to take a walk, read a book, and enjoy the views.

More on the Radiance Class:

• 20 Radiance Class cruise ship tips and secrets
• 7 fun facts about Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas
• Brilliance of the Seas Live Blog
• Jewel of the Seas Live Blog

Royal Caribbean’s Voyager Class cruise ships can be a nice choice for first-time or seasoned cruisers. They come with plenty to do, see, eat, and drink onboard, and offer a diverse range of itineraries around the world.

In addition, many Voyager Class ships have recently been amplified and are filled with Royal Caribbean’s newest features and amenities. Let’s take a deep dive into the Voyager Class to see what these five impressive ships have to offer.

Voyager Class cruise ships

Royal Caribbean has five Voyager Class ships:

• Voyager of the Seas is the first ship of the class, and she sails from Stockholm, Barcelona, Copenhagen, Boston, and San Juan, offering cruises to New England, Canada, the Caribbean, and Europe.
• Explorer of the Seas is the second ship of the class, and she sails from Miami, San Juan, Venice (Ravenna), and Rome, offering cruises to Europe and the Caribbean.
• Adventure of the Seas is the third ship of the class, and she sails from Galveston and Cape Liberty, offering cruises to New England, Canada, and the Caribbean.
• Navigator of the Seas is the fourth ship of the class, and she sails from Los Angeles, offering cruises to Baja California and the Mexican Riviera.
• Mariner of the Seas is the fifth ship of the class, and she sails from Port Canaveral, offering cruises to the Caribbean.

Amplified ships

The Voyager Class debuted in 1999. At the time, the features, amenities, and size of the Voyager Class were top-notch. In fact, Voyager, Explorer, and Navigator of the Seas were considered the largest cruise ships in the world when they were built.

Over time, though, Royal Caribbean realized the ships could use some updates. Navigator of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, and Voyager of the Seas have all recently been amplified through Royal Caribbean’s Royal Amplified program.

Royal Amplified is Royal Caribbean’s program that updates ships’ amenities, staterooms, dining and lounge choices, activities, and more. Because three Voyager Class ships have been updated, you will find many of Royal Caribbean’s newest attractions and activities onboard.

Explorer of the Seas and Adventure of the Seas were set to be amplified in 2020 and 2021, but amplification has been postponed due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Because of this, these two ships have some notable differences in onboard activities and dining offerings.

Voyager Class size

The Voyager Class ships are all of a similar length, gross tonnage (GT), and capacity (at double capacity):

• Voyager of the Seas: capacity of 4,269 guests, 1,020’ long, 137,276 GT
• Explorer of the Seas: capacity of 4,290 guests, 1,020’ long, 137,308 GT
• Adventure of the Seas: capacity of 3,807 guests, 1,020’ long, 137,276 GT
• Navigator of the Seas: capacity of 4,000 guests, 1,020’ long, 139,999 GT
• Mariner of the Seas: capacity of 4,000 guests, 1,020’ long, 139,863 GT

Activities and things to do

A Royal Caribbean cruise on a Voyager Class ship will certainly not be boring. These ships pack plenty of activities every day of the cruise for guests of all ages.

Waterslides

All Voyager Class ships with the exception of Explorer of the Seas have waterslides onboard. Voyager, Adventure, and Mariner have The Perfect Storm waterslides, a set of racing slides that jet off the side of the ship. They even have clear sections so you can see the water below you!

Navigator of the Seas is home to two slides: The Blaster and Riptide. The Blaster is an aqua coaster where two passengers slide on a raft up, down, and around the ship. It is the longest water slide at sea. Riptide is a mat racer waterslide which curves around Navigator of the Seas.

Ice skating

All Voyager Class ships have Studio B, an ice skating rink, onboard. In addition to ice skating shows performed throughout the cruise, there are set times available where guests can ice skate. Ice skates and helmets are provided for this complimentary activity.

Laser tag

Guests sailing on Voyager, Navigator, and Mariner of the Seas can play laser tag onboard. Also held in Studio B, Battle for Planet Z is a glow-in-the-dark laser tag experience. Guests wear electronic vests and break up into teams to face off in the laser tag arena.

Puzzle Break Center

On Mariner of the Seas and Navigator of the Seas you will find the Puzzle Break Center. Here, guests can complete a timed puzzle challenge to try and break out of the escape room in time.

Other sports activities and things to do

All Voyager Class ships have both a rock climbing wall, FlowRider surf simulator, and mini golf. Each ship has a Sports Court as well, where games like pickleball, basketball, and soccer are complimentary. Other activities such as ping pong and shuffleboard are also available to guests.

Like other ships, activities including trivia, crafts, guest lectures, and live bands are offered on Voyager Class ships.

Pool Deck

The pool deck on Voyager Class ships consists of two side-by-side main pools and several jacuzzis. Each ship also has a Solarium with a pool and two jacuzzis. The Solarium is not totally enclosed, so the pool is in the sunlight and the jacuzzis are in the shade. The pool chairs in the Solarium are padded for extra comfort.

Each ship’s pool deck also has a bar in the main pool area and another  bar on the running track deck which offers nice views of the pool and ocean.

Adventure of the Seas and Navigator of the Seas both have a kids area on the pool deck. On Adventure, you will find Splashaway Bay, an aqua park complete with waterslides and splash areas. On Navigator there is a splash pad area with water sprayers.

The other Voyager Class ships do not offer pool activities for children still in diapers.

Entertainment and Venues on Voyager Class ships

The two main entertainment areas on Voyager Class ships are the theater and Studio B, the ice skating rink.

The main entertainment lineup on Voyager Class ships is as follows:

• Voyager of the Seas: Broadway Rhythm & Rhyme and Music in Pictures in the Royal Theater; Ice Odyssey in Studio B
• Explorer of the Seas: Invitation to Dance, Wild, Cool & Swingin’, and Fast Forward in the Palace Theater; Spirits of the Seasons in Studio B
• Adventure of the Seas: Invitation to Dance, Jackpot, and Can’t Stop The Rock in the Lyric Theater; Cool Art, Hot Ice in Studio B
• Navigator of the Seas: Ballroom Fever and Showgirl in the Royal Theater; iSkate in Studio B
• Mariner of the Seas: Gallery of Dreams and Center Stage in the Royal Theater; Ice Under the Big Top in Studio B

Other entertainment options can be found throughout the Voyager Class ships, from live music to comedians and karaoke. 

Differences between the Voyager class cruise ships

Voyager Class ships share the following dining and bar venues:

• Windjammer Marketplace
• Main Dining Room
• Cafe Promenade
• Chef’s Table
• Chops Grille
• Izumi (sushi)
• Johnny Rockets (excluding Voyager of the Seas)
• Ice cream stand (found at Cafe Promenade)
• Schooner Bar
• Solarium Bar
• Viking Crown Lounge
• English-style pub
• Star Lounge (named differently on some ships)
• Pool bars

Voyager of the Seas

Other than the dining and beverage venues shared on all Voyager Class ships, Voyager of the Seas has Giovanni’s Table, The Tavern bar, and R Bar.

Giovanni’s Table is a classic Italian restaurant on Royal Caribbean’s ships, with menu highlights including grilled lamb chops, gorgonzola gnocchi, and linguini with clams.

The Tavern bar and R Bar are bars that do not have a strong theme, but are a nice place to relax with a drink onboard.

During the recent amplification of Voyager of the Seas, the Vitality Spa & Fitness Center as well as Adventure Ocean areas were refurbished and modernized. There is a new outdoor hangout area for teenagers onboard as well.

Voyager of the Seas has a total of 1,715 staterooms:

• 691 interior
• 228 ocean view
• 673 balcony
• 123 suites

Explorer of the Seas

Other than the dining and beverage venues shared on all Voyager Class ships, Explorer of the Seas has Giovanni’s Table, The Tavern bar, and the Connoisseur Club.

The Connoisseur Club is a lounge onboard where guests can relax while smoking cigars. It is one of the few designated smoking areas on the ship. There are few Connoisseur Clubs left in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, so this may be replaced once the ship is amplified.

Explorer of the Seas’ amplification has been postponed, but when she is amplified a variety of new features and activities will be added:

• The Perfect Storm water slides
• Caribbean-style pool deck with hammocks, daybeds, and in-pool loungers
• The Lime & Coconut pool bar
• Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen, Playmakers, Johnny Rockets Express, and Starbucks
• Laser tag
• Revamped Adventure Ocean and teen area

These additions were announced prior to the coronavirus pandemic, so they may change.

Explorer of the Seas has a total of 1,715 staterooms:

• 691 interior
• 228 ocean view
• 671 balcony
• 125 suites

Adventure of the Seas

Other than the dining and beverage venues shared on all Voyager Class ships, Adventure of the Seas has Giovanni’s Table, Boleros, Aquarium Bar, and Champagne Bar.

The Champagne Bar is located on the Royal Promenade and is an elegantly-decorated lounge area that has not only champagne, but other cocktails and beverages.

Despite the name, the Aquarium Bar does not have actual aquariums, but does feature aquatic and marine life decor.

While Adventure of the Seas has not undergone a full amplification process, she does have a few features that are usually only seen on newer or amplified ships. The Perfect Storm waterslides and Splashaway Bay were added in 2016, which offer more fun for both kids and adults onboard.

Like Explorer of the Seas, the full amplification of Adventure of the Seas has been delayed. When the Royal Amplified program restarts, though, many of Royal Caribbean's newest dining venues, bars, and activities are expected to be added to the ship.

Adventure of the Seas has a total of 1,672 staterooms:

• 667 interior
• 242 ocean view
• 638 balcony
• 125 suites

Navigator of the Seas

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Navigator of the Seas is perhaps the most modern Voyager Class ship due to her impressive amplification. Navigator differs the most from other Voyager Class ships in regards to her venues, layout, and decor.

Other than the dining and beverage venues shared on all Voyager Class ships, Navigator of the Seas has Jamie’s Italian, Hooked Seafood, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, El Loco Fresh, The Lime & Coconut, Starbucks, R Bar, Boleros, and The Bamboo Room.

The Bamboo Room is a Polynesian-themed tiki bar with a selection of tropical drinks and colorful decor. Playmakers is the signature sports bar on Royal Caribbean, and the location on Navigator of the Seas features a pool table, shuffleboard, arcade games, and a private viewing area to watch sports. Food and drinks at these venues come at an additional cost.

As far as more formal specialty dining options, guests can enjoy Hooked Seafood and Jamie’s Italian. Menu highlights at Hooked include the messy fish sandwich, baked oysters, and Maine lobster roll. Highlights at Jamie’s Italian include the eggplant parmesan, freshly-made pasta, and meat plank.

There are two pool deck food options on Navigator: Johnny Rockets Express and El Loco Fresh. Johnny Rockets Express offers typical American food like hamburgers and fries, and is priced à la carte. El Loco Fresh is a complimentary, grab-and-go Mexican restaurant with burritos, nachos, quesadillas, and a salsa station.

One of the most impressive features of Navigator of the Seas is her pool deck. Navigator of the Seas has a Caribbean style pool deck design complete with colorful decor, art, casita lounge areas, comfy seating, and The Lime & Coconut pool bar.

She is also the only Voyager Class ship to have hot tubs on the running deck which overlook the pool area. In addition, the top deck of The Lime & Coconut was transformed into a lounge area with comfy seating, tables, and lights.

Navigator of the Seas is also the only ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet with To Dry For. This is a blow dry bar and hair styling salon onboard.

The Adventure Ocean programming on Navigator was modernized during the amplification as well, and features a kid's rock climbing wall as wall as an outdoor deck for teens.

Navigator of the Seas has a total of 1,694 staterooms:

• 670 interior
• 232 ocean view
• 671 balcony
• 121 suites

Mariner of the Seas

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Other than the dining and beverage venues shared on all Voyager Class ships, Mariner of the Seas has Jamie’s Italian, Izumi Hibachi and Sushi, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, Dog House, Starbucks, Boleros, and The Bamboo Room.

Mariner of the Seas shares many of the same dining and lounge venues as Navigator of the Seas.

She is the only Voyager Class ship to offer not only Izumi sushi, but hibachi. Guests can reserve a dining time at Izumi Hibachi, where a chef cooks your meal right in front of you.

She is also the only Voyager Class ship with the Dog House. Located on the pool deck, this complimentary dining venue offers a variety of hot dogs and sausages.

Mariner of the Seas has a few activities not found on any other Voyager Class ship. First is the Sky Pad, a virtual reality bungee jumping experience. Here, guests can put a VR headset on and jump up and down on the Sky Pad’s trampolines while playing games in a series of virtual reality simulations.

There is also the Sky Climber, a climbing arena for kids to spend their day climbing up, down, and around on the sports deck. In addition, hammocks and other nice seating are found on Mariner of the Seas.

Mariner of the Seas has a total of 1,674 staterooms:

• 669 interior
• 246 ocean view
• 638 balcony
• 121 suites

Who is the Voyager Class best for?

The Voyager Class ships, although considered “smaller” when compared to newer Royal Caribbean ships, are still massive vessels with tons of activities offered onboard. Not too big and not too small, they are an excellent option for first-time cruisers.

The Royal Amplified program has set Voyager Class ships on par with some of the fleet’s newest ships. Voyager Class ships offer waterslides, FlowRiders, mini golf, rock climbing, pools, live music, ice skating shows, and more. 

Voyager Class ships come at a lower cost compared to Oasis or Quantum Class ships, as well, so they can be a more budget-friendly option for travelers while still providing a modern cruise experience.

Voyager Class ships have elegant design integrated throughout the ship, which brings a feeling of sophistication to the cruise experience. A great example of this is in the Main Dining Room, which were inspired by the design and layout of opera houses.

And while Voyager Class ships offer fun-filled activities onboard, they also offer plenty of areas for rest and relaxation. The Promenade Deck on Voyager Class ships is large and circles around the entire ship. Guests may enjoy walking the Promenade Deck during the day to get away from the hustle and bustle elsewhere onboard.

Voyager Class Tips & Secrets

The helicopter pad, or helipad, is accessible to guests on Voyager Class ships. The helipad can be accessed by walking all the way forward to the ship on the Promenade Deck. This will lead to a flight of stairs which brings you to the helipad. This is a fantastic spot to watch sailaway or relax while onboard.

The Izumi location on Navigator, Voyager, and Explorer of the Seas is on Deck 14 and offers dramatic views of the ocean through floor-to-ceiling windows.

Select Voyager Class ships have a Peek-A-Boo bridge, where guests can peek into the bridge and see what the ship’s captain and officers are up to. To access the Peek-A-Boo bridge, head to the very front of the Solarium and exit through the sliding glass doors. Walk down the pathway until you reach the bridge.

Voyager, Explorer, and Adventure of the Seas do not have an escape room. Instead, this area of the ship is Skylight Chapel, a wedding chapel that can accommodate up to forty people. Church services are conducted here and this space is open throughout the day for guests looking to relax or pray.

Voyager Class ships offer saunas and steam rooms in the fitness area.

If you're vaccinated against Covid-19, you'll need to wear a bracelet to distinguish between vaccinated and unvaccinated guests, and this band can sometimes be a nuisance to wear.

When cruises first restarted last summer, Royal Caribbean was using silicone wristbands that could be taken off at any time. In the fall, they primarily switched to a ribbon band that, once tightened, cannot be loosened.

While the ribbon band may seem convenient as it will not fall off throughout the cruise, many passengers find the band’s design to be inconvenient.

Royal Caribbean Blog readers shared recently on our message boards the tips and tricks they use in order to make the wristband experience a lot more comfortable while onboard.

Put the wristband on loosely at first

When you receive the wristband at the cruise terminal, do not tighten it too much. Because you cannot loosen it once it has been tightened, a tight wristband can quickly become uncomfortable. Putting the wristband on loosely at first will allow you more flexibility to take it off when it isn’t needed. 

If you tightened the wristband too much, get a new one. Some guests find that they made their wristband way too tight. Don’t fret, though. If your wristband is too tight, simply go to Guest Services and ask them to cut it off. They will give you a new wristband.

Put the wristband on your non-dominant hand

If you’re right handed, be sure to put the wristband on your left hand. The wristbands all come in one size, and more often than not, there will be a lot of extra material hanging off once you tighten it to your wrist.

This “tail” can get in the way when you are eating or doing activities onboard. Frankly, it can be a little annoying! Be sure to put it on the hand you will not be using as much so it stays out of the way as much as possible.

Cut off the long tail after tightening the wristband

If the long tail on your wristband is really bothering you, go to guest services and ask if they can cut the tail of your wristband to make it shorter.

There will be no need to worry about the wristband dipping into your mashed potatoes or tomato sauce at dinner if the long tail is no longer there!

You don’t have to wear the wristband on your wrist

All vaccinated guests must wear a wristband, but it does not necessarily mean you must wear it on your wrist. 

You can put it around your ankle, tie it to a lanyard, or even loop it on your belt. As long as you remember to take it with you each time you leave your stateroom or change outfits, you will not have a problem.

Use items to tie the wristband’s tail back

Some passengers have brought rubber bands and clips onboard to secure the wristband’s tail. By using small rubber bands, the tail is able to be moved out of the way, making it much more comfortable for guests during the cruise.

Likewise, another tip shared was to purchase these cord locks which allow you to adjust how tight or loose your wristband fits.

Royal Caribbean Blog reader Ashley Dillo stated that “When I am given the wristband I just pull the nylon all the way through the black plastic piece like I'm tightening it all the way and it slips off. Then I thread the ends through the cord lock and it makes it adjustable for easy on/off.”

If you've been on a cruise recently, what did you think of the new ribbon wristbands? Do you have any tips and tricks for making them more comfortable? Join the discussion on our message boards and let us know!

An Alaska cruise provides the opportunity to spot some of the state’s remarkable wildlife. Luckily, the peak time to view Alaska’s wildlife coincides with the cruise season.

From April to September, wildlife viewing opportunities are plentiful throughout the state. Whales, bears, otters, sea lions, eagles, and other marine and land animals can be spotted during your Alaska cruise.

The best time and place to view each animal depends on many factors including migration patterns, hibernation, and food sources. If viewing wildlife is important to you on an Alaska cruise, it’s a good idea to know when and where you can view Alaska’s wildlife best.

Bears

Alaska is home to more bears than any other state. Black bears, brown bears, and polar bears call Alaska home. While polar bears do not migrate far enough south to see while on a cruise, passengers may have the opportunity to spot black or brown bears.

The best time to see bears in Southeast Alaska is from July through early September. 

Each summer season, Alaska sees an influx of salmon swimming upstream to spawn. And where there are salmon, other types of wildlife are often present. Bears can most easily be spotted feeding on salmon nearby creeks and streams. 

One of the best ways to see bears in Alaska is through one of Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Tours. By going inland and touring destinations such as Denali National Park and Preserve, your chances of spotting grizzly bears and black bears are higher. Plus, you will have the opportunity to spot wildlife such as caribou, moose, and wolves as well.

On an Alaska cruise to Sitka, guests can book the “Best of Sitka” tour which goes to the Fortress of the Bear for wildlife viewing. This is a bear rescue center whose mission is to rescue bear cubs that are orphaned or sick and bring them back to health.

Visitors at Fortress of the Bear can get within 25 feet of Alaska’s brown bears to observe the animals’ behaviors and personalities.

There are more exclusive bear watching excursions available as well. Those with a high interest in seeing bears in their natural habitat can choose to visit Admiralty Island near Juneau.

Passengers will be taken to the island’s wilderness via a float plane. Since the island is home to one of the highest density populations of brown bears and eagles in the world, wildlife is likely to be spotted.

Of course, those hiking in Alaska or exploring the outdoors without a guide should be extra vigilant and knowledgeable on bear safety.

Whales

The types of whales you are likely to spot on an Alaska cruise depends on the month of your sailing.

If you’re sailing to Alaska in the peak summer months of June and July, you are more likely to spot humpback whales. An estimated 500 humpback whales call the Alaska Inside Passage home during the summer. 

While technically part of the dolphin family, many cruise passengers are eager to spot a killer whale in Alaska. The best time to see Killer whales on an Alaska cruise is in May and June. They are commonly found near Ketchikan, Juneau, and Seward. 

Grey whales are prevalent in southeast and southern Alaska in the late spring. Those with an Alaska cruise booked in April or early May are more likely to see these whales, as they begin migrating to the colder northern Alaska waters in late April.

Spotting a blue whale while on a cruise to Alaska is quite rare, but those lucky enough to see them will most likely be cruising during the late summer months of July and August. Blue whales tend to hang out in the open water as opposed to near the shoreline.

Sea Lions and Otters

Steller sea lions do not migrate when the weather is frigid, so they can be spotted year-round in Alaska. The best time to see sea lions, though, is early in the spring until the end of July.

You can spot Steller sea lions throughout southeast Alaska, but it is recommended to take a wildlife tour excursion for the best chance of seeing these animals up close.

Both playful and adorable, sea otters can also be spotted on an Alaska cruise. Sea otters do not migrate long distances, so they can be spotted year-round in Alaska. The best place to find sea otters while on a cruise is in streams and creeks near the ocean. 

Eagles

There are an estimated 100,000 bald eagles in the world, with around 30,000 calling Alaska home. A bald eagle is one of the most recognizable birds in the world, and many people are eager to spot an eagle during their Alaska cruise.

An eagle’s diet consists mainly of fish, so the best place to spot an eagle is in the trees near a body of water. Luckily, an Alaska cruise means that you are nearly always surrounded by tall trees and water, so be sure to get out your binoculars.

You can spot eagles year-round in southeast Alaska, as the temperate rainforest provides an ideal habitat for the bird. They are most commonly seen during the salmon run in mid-summer, when they feed off the scraps of fish left by bears.

You may also wish to take an excursion to view eagles. The “Sitka Cultural Discovery and Alaska Raptor Center” brings guests to visit the Alaska Raptor Center, where injured eagles and other birds are rescued and rehabilitated.

Outside of eagles, there is no shortage of bird watching opportunities on an Alaska cruise. Southeast Alaska is a temperate rainforest, and with that comes hundreds of species of birds that migrate to and from the state each year. There are an estimated 470 species of birds in the state.

Tips for spotting wildlife in Alaska

Wildlife can be found not only while exploring a port, but also at sea. Oftentimes, the captain will announce on the livespeaker when whales or other wildlife can be spotted from the ship. When this happens, expect a crowd of excited passengers to form on the outside decks hoping to catch a glimpse of the animals.

An important tip when hoping to view wildlife in Alaska is to remain flexible. Tour operators can never guarantee you will see a pod of orcas, humpback whales breaching, a grizzly bear eating salmon in the stream, or an eagle soaring through the trees.

Wildlife can be unpredictable, especially if you are cruising to Alaska in the shoulder season. However, you may also be surprised by how easy it can be to find wildlife, too.

Whether you’re eating lunch on a sea day and the captain announces there are whales swimming alongside the ship, walking in Ketchikan and suddenly seeing otters playing in the stream, or traveling in a bus and passing an eagle in its nest, you never know when and where you will spot wildlife on an Alaska cruise.

The best tip we can give, though, is to pack binoculars with you on your Alaska cruise. Having the ability to view the animals “close-up” when you are technically far away will make your wildlife viewing experiences much more personal and exciting. 

Read more tips and information about cruises to Alaska:

• How much does an Alaska cruise cost?
• The weirdest Alaska cruise questions
• Comparing the Royal Caribbean ships sailing in Alaska 2022
• Best things to do on an Alaska cruise
• What it's like to go on an Alaskan cruise at the end of the season
• Cruising to Alaska: What I Did Right and Wrong

Deciding between Harmony of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas means choosing between two cruise ships with lots of of fun things to do.

Whether you’re planning your first cruise or fiftieth, Royal Caribbean’s newest and biggest ships are likely to be of interest to you. The Quantum and Oasis Class ships are among the biggest in the world and come with seemingly endless dining venues, entertainment choices, and activities.

How do the two classes of ships compare, though? Let’s take a look at Anthem of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas to see how the ships compare and contrast in layout, itineraries, and offerings for guests.

Overview

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Harmony of the Seas is the 3rd ship in Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class, the largest class of cruise ships. She has a capacity of 6,687 guests, length of 1,188 feet, and measures 226,963 in gross tonnage. Her maiden voyage was in May of 2016.

Anthem of the Seas is the 2nd ship in Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class. She has a capacity of 4,905 guests, length of 1,141 feet, and measures 168,666 in gross tonnage. Her maiden voyage was in November of 2014.

Ship Layouts

As an Oasis Class ship, Harmony of the Seas is split into seven main neighborhoods. These are designed to help break up crowds by spreading guests around the ship, and all are quite distinct from each other:

• The Boardwalk neighborhood is located on Deck 6 in the aft of the ship. This neighborhood is designed like a nostalgic boardwalk near the sea, with an arcade, carousel, souvenir shops, and dining options. The Aquatheater entertainment venue is also located here, where guests can enjoy aqua shows involving diving, synchronized swimming, and slack lining.
• Central Park is a neighborhood unlike any other on a Royal Caribbean ship. With over 10,000 plants and flowers, guests might feel as if they are walking through a park on land as opposed to being onboard a cruise ship. Dining and shopping venues are in Central Park as well.
• The Pool and Sports Zone is where guests will find pools, jacuzzis, water slides, and several signature activities.
• The Royal Esplanade is the main thoroughfare on Oasis Class ships, with dining, shopping, bars, guest service areas, and more.
• Entertainment Place is where guests go to watch signature entertainment and live music onboard.
• The Vitality Spa and Fitness neighborhood is where guests can work on wellness, whether at a massage, hair appointment, or fitness class.
• The Youth Zone is the hub of Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean programming, offering activities for guests aged 6 months to 17 years.

Anthem of the Seas does not have the same neighborhood concept as an Oasis Class ship. However, the ship can still be broken into a few distinct areas:

• The Via is on Deck 5 as you walk toward the aft of the ship. Here guests will find artwork, dining, shopping, Next Cruise, and the Two70 entertainment venue.
• The Royal Esplanade is similar to the Royal Promenade on Harmony of the Seas. This is a two-story hub of dining venues, bars and lounges, shopping, and guest services areas.
• The Pool Deck area is where you will find all of the pools on Anthem of the Seas as well as the Solarium
• The Sports/Seaplex area is where many of the main signature activities are offered on Anthem of the Seas

Food & Dining

Both Harmony of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas share many of the same dining venues:

• Main Dining Room
• Windjammer Cafe
• Solarium Bistro
• Coastal Kitchen
• Cafe Promenade
• Sorrento’s
• Chef’s Table
• Wonderland
• Jamie’s Italian
• Chops Grille
• Izumi (sushi)
• Johnny Rockets
• Dog House

As an Oasis Class ship, Harmony of the Seas has several more dining options than Anthem of the Seas.

• Park Cafe is a complimentary dining option in the Central Park neighborhood on Harmony of the Seas. Open for breakfast and lunch, Park Cafe offers an assortment of breakfast sandwiches, pastries, a bagel station, sandwiches, a salad bar, soups, and more.
• 150 Central Park is a specialty venue located in the Central Park neighborhood focused on sourcing local ingredients. Menu highlights include lamb wellington, roasted tenderloin, and fried cheesecake.
• Mini Bites is located near the Sports area onboard and offers quick, complimentary grab-and-go options such as quesadillas and hamburgers. Breakfast is also available with made-to-order omelets, bacon, and more.
• Sabor is a Mexican specialty restaurant offering small plates, build-your-own tacos, quesadillas, and more. Menu highlights include spicy beef empanadas, red snapper ceviche, grilled cobia tacos, steak quesadillas, and cinnamon churros. Sabor also features a tequila bar and margarita menu.
• Izumi on Harmony of the Seas also has a hibachi option, whereas the venue is only for sushi on Anthem of the Seas.
• Vitality Cafe is a casual venue featuring grab-and-go sandwiches and pastries. Freshly made smoothies are also available here as well as protein shakes. The food options are complimentary at Vitality Cafe while drinks come at an extra cost.
• Harmony of the Seas also has a Starbucks location on the Boardwalk.

One venue that is offered on Anthem of the Seas but not on Harmony is Cafe @ Two70. Located inside the Two70 entertainment venue found only on Quantum Class ships, Cafe @ Two70 has a similar selection of food to Park Cafe on Oasis Class ships.

There is also a coffee bar located in Cafe @ Two70 where guests can order specialty alcoholic and non-alcoholic coffee drinks. Cafe @ Two70 is a complimentary venue aside from specialty beverages.

The second venue found on Anthem of the Seas but not Harmony is La Patisserie. Guests can order specialty coffee and tea beverages here as well as French delicacies including macarons, cheesecake, and eclairs. La Patisserie is an extra-cost venue.

Outdoor dining on Anthem of the Seas includes a section of the Windjammer which offers views of the aft and an outdoor area of Jamie’s Italian on the Promenade Deck.

Outdoor dining on Harmony of the Seas can be found at dining venues located at the Boardwalk and Central Park neighborhoods, including Jamie’s Italian, Chops Grille, 150 Central Park, Park Cafe, Sabor, and Johnny Rockets.

Bars & Lounges

Both Harmony of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas share many of the same bars and lounges:

• Vintages 
• Pool Bars
• English-style pub
• Schooner Bar
• Bionic Bar
• Boleros
• Solarium Bar

Several bars and lounges feature excellent views of the pool deck and ocean, such as the North Star Bar on Anthem of the Seas and Mast Bar on Harmony of the Seas.

Harmony of the Seas has several smaller bar areas located throughout the ship as well, including Wipe Out Bar on the Sports Deck and Trellis Bar in the heart of Central Park.

Perhaps the most unique bar on Harmony of the Seas is the Rising Tide Bar. This is a bar that moves up and down three stories between the Royal Promenade and Central Park neighborhoods. The bar is adults-only and free to ride.

There are a few more lounges to note on Harmony of the Seas:

• On Air, a karaoke bar where guests can put their vocal skills to the test as they sing their favorite songs.
• Jazz on 4, an intimate jazz club which offers live music each evening
• The Attic, a comedy club where guests can listen to a selection of comedians each cruise

Guests looking for a nightclub lounge experience onboard have options on both Anthem and Harmony of the Seas. On Anthem of the Seas guests can go to the Music Hall, a two-story venue with a stage, dance floor, two bars, comfy seating, and pool tables.

On Harmony of the Seas, guests will enjoy Dazzles. This is another two-story music and dance venue which overlooks the Boardwalk neighborhood.

Entertainment

Both Anthem and Harmony of the Seas offer top-notch entertainment options. Both ships have a Royal Theater with a full-length Broadway musical performance, but each ship has a selection of other shows in the diverse entertainment venues found onboard.

Anthem of the Seas is home to Two70, a signature venue found only on Quantum Class ships. This is a venue in the very aft of the ship with floor-to-ceiling windows offering 270 degree views of the ship’s aft. The venue incorporates technology through moveable television screens and light effects into its performances. Both live and “virtual” concerts are available here.

Anthem of the Seas offers the following signature shows:

• Broadway musical: We Will Rock You
• Two70 show: Spectra’s Cabaret
• Other: The Gift (Royal Theater)

In addition to the Royal Theater, Harmony of the Seas has an Aquatheater and Studio B ice skating rink. The Aquatheater is unique to Oasis Class ships and is where Royal Caribbean’s signature aquatic shows are performed.

Harmony of the Seas offers the following signature shows:

• Broadway musical: Grease: The Musical
• Studio B: iSkate and 1887: A Journey in Time
• Aquatheater: The Fine Line and Hideaway Heist
• Other: Columbus: The Musical (Royal Theater)

Pool Deck

Harmony of the Seas features three main pools: the Main Pool, the Beach Pool, and the Sports Pool. The pools are all very similar to each other, with pool games being offered in the Sports Pool and a beach-style design at the Beach Pool.

Anthem of the Seas has two main pools: one indoor pool and one outdoor pool. As Quantum Class ships were designed to function in both cold and warm weather, Anthem of the Seas has plenty of indoor pool deck space, with indoor jacuzzis and an indoor pool bar as well.

The Solarium on Harmony of the Seas does not have a pool, but instead has four jacuzzis throughout the space. The Solarium is not an enclosed space, but offers plenty of shade. The Solarium on Anthem of the Seas is fully enclosed, and features a series of cascading pools as well as jacuzzis.

Both ships offer plenty of activities for kids on the pool deck, too. Harmony of the Seas has a large Splashaway Bay area with kid-sized water slides, splash pad areas, water dump buckets, and water sprayers.

Anthem of the Seas has the H20 Zone, which features shallow pool areas for young children. There is also a small kids pool here as well that is not as shallow as the splash pad areas.

Harmony of the Seas has three water slides: the Cyclone and Typhoon slides, where guests can race each other, and the Supercell slide, where guests spin around a “champagne bowl” to make their way to the bottom.

Being a Quantum Class ship, Anthem of the Seas does not have water slides.

Onboard Activities

With Anthem of the Seas being a Quantum Class ship and Harmony of the Seas being an Oasis Class ship, many of their signature activities onboard differ from each other.

Harmony of the Seas offers several signature activities that are included in your cruise fare. The majority of these activities take place on the sports deck or Boardwalk:

• The zipline, where guests can fly nine decks over the Boardwalk neighborhood
• A carousel
• The Ultimate Abyss, a dry slide where guests slide 9 stories down from the Sports Deck to the Boardwalk neighborhood
• Ice skating in Studio B
• Mini golf
• Sports court (outdoors)
• Water slides
• Escape room

Likewise, Anthem of the Seas offers several activities only found on Quantum Class ships:

• The North Star, an observation pod that rises from the pool deck to offer 360 degree views from 300 feet above sea level
• RipCord by iFLY, an indoor skydiving simulator
• Bumper Cars
• Roller skating
• Circus school
• Xbox gaming area

The hub of activity on Anthem of the Seas is in the SeaPlex. The SeaPlex is the only indoor sports center in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, where guests can enjoy indoor soccer, volleyball, pickleball, dance classes, and more. This is where signature activities such as bumper cars, roller skating, and circus school are located.

Most signature activities on both ships are complementary. On Anthem of the Seas, though, there may be both a complementary and extra fee option for the North Star and RipCord by iFLY. Guests should make reservations for these activities via the Royal Caribbean app as soon as they get onboard, as complementary reservations can fill up quickly.

Both ships offer the Flowrider and rock climbing wall. Because Harmony of the Seas has a higher capacity, there are two Floriders and two rock climbing walls available. There are also two arcades on Harmony, whereas Anthem of the Seas has one arcade.

Itineraries

Harmony of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas offer itineraries that differ from each other in length, departure port, and region of the world.

Anthem of the Seas itineraries

Anthem of the Seas splits her time sailing from Southampton, England, and Cape Liberty, New Jersey. She sails from Southampton from May to October, offering a variety of European cruises. Highlights include:

• 7-night Norwegian Fjords Cruises visiting destinations such as Bergen, Alesund Olden, Haugesund, Kristiansand, and Geiranger
• 7-night Spain & France cruise visiting La Rochelle, La Coruna, Bilbao, and Paris (Le Havre)
• 12-night Discovery The Canaries Cruise visiting ports including Madeira, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Tenerife, Lisbon, La Coruna, and Vigo
• 9-night Spain & Portugal Cruise visiting Bilbao, La Coruna, Vigo, Lisbon, and Seville
• 14-night Mediterranean Cruises with cruise options including destinations such as Lisbon, Barcelona, Nice, Rome, Naples, Gibraltar, Malaga, Valencia, Palma de Mallorca, and Ibiza

For the rest of the year, Anthem of the Seas sails from Cape Liberty, New Jersey offering cruises to the Caribbean. Cruise selections include:

• 7-night Bahamas & Perfect Day Cruise visiting Port Canaveral, Nassau, and Perfect Day at CocoCay
• 8-night Bahamas & Perfect Day Cruise visiting Port Canaveral, Miami, Nassau, and Perfect Day at CocoCay
• 11-night Southern Caribbean Cruise visiting San Juan, St. Maarten, Antigua, St. Lucia, and St. Kitts

Transatlantic cruises are also offered on Anthem of the Seas when she sails to and from Europe.

Harmony of the Seas itineraries

Harmony of the Seas sails from Cape Canaveral until October 2022, when she will begin offering cruises from both Ft. Lauderdale and Miami, Florida. Regardless of the embarkation port, Harmony of the Seas offers Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean cruises. Highlights include:

• 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruises visiting destinations such as St. Maarten, St. Thomas, Nassau, St. Kitts, Labadee, Puerto Plata, and Perfect Day at CocoCay
• 7-night Western Caribbean cruises visiting destinations including Roatan, Costa Maya, Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Falmouth, Nassau, and Perfect Day at CocoCay
• 8-night Southern Caribbean cruises visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay, Aruba, and Curacao

Staterooms

As Quantum and Oasis Class ships, both Anthem of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas offer everything from the most basic interior rooms to exquisite loft suites. Both ships offer the Virtual Balcony for interior rooms as well.

In addition, Anthem and Harmony of the Seas offer the Royal Suite Class. Depending on the suite, guests will be in either Sea Class, Sky Class, or Star Class, all of which bring exclusive benefits, including access to the Coastal Kitchen restaurant.

Star Class is the most exclusive suite class and includes a Royal Genie, who is a personalized concierge during your time onboard.

A difference between the two ships are the neighborhood rooms available on Harmony of the Seas. Oasis Class ships offer both Central Park and Boardwalk balcony rooms, which look down into their respective neighborhoods.

Central Park rooms do not have an ocean view, but Boardwalk balcony rooms will have a partial ocean view to the side. There are a few interior “Central Park view” staterooms available as well, which have a porthole looking into Central Park.

Harmony of the Seas also has Aquatheater suites which overlook the ship’s aft and Aquatheater area. 

Which ship should I choose?

Harmony of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas will both provide an excellent, modern cruising experience. There is no shortage of things to do and places to eat on either ship, but there are a few key things to consider before choosing one over the other.

First, the itineraries on the ships are totally different. For those living in the northeast, Anthem of the Seas can be a nice option for a Caribbean cruise that does not require flying to Florida. Anthem of the Seas is also a good option for those based in Europe, due to her wide range of European itineraries.

Harmony of the Seas offers more traditional Caribbean cruises. Because she departs from Florida, there are fewer sea days required to reach Caribbean destinations. Therefore, guests can see a wider range of Caribbean islands on Harmony of the Seas than they can on Anthem of the Seas.

Second, Anthem of the Seas has more of a traditionally-built cruise ship layout whereas Harmony of the Seas, being an Oasis Class ship, has a completely different layout to other Royal Caribbean ships.

Both ships offer plenty to do for families. Harmony of the Seas may have a slight edge toward toddlers and young children with a full sized Splashaway Bay on the pool deck, whereas Anthem of the Seas has many activities for older children like bumper cars and RipCord by iFLY.

Ultimately, whichever ship you choose will lead to a fantastic Royal Caribbean cruise, and you will definitely not run out of things to do and see on either ship.

Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class cruise ships are some of the newest and most modern ships in the fleet. They are packed with signature activities, diverse dining options, and technology integrated throughout the ships.

Of all the Royal Caribbean ship classes of cruise ship, the Quantum Class was designed to take a step forward with its modern design and onboard activities.

Let’s take a look at everything the Quantum Class has to offer, and how the ships within the class differ from each other.

Quantum Class cruise ships

Royal Caribbean has five Quantum Class cruise ships.

• Quantum of the Seas is the first ship of the class, and she sails from Seattle, Vancouver, and Brisbane, offering Alaska, South Pacific, New Zealand, Australia, and transpacific cruises.
• Anthem of the Seas is the second ship of the class, and she sails from Cape Liberty and Southampton, offering both Caribbean and European cruises.
• Ovation of the Seas is the third ship of the class, and she sails from Seattle, Vancouver, and Sydney, offering Alaska, Australia, South Pacific, New Zealand, Hawaii, and transpacific cruises.
• Spectrum of the Seas is the fourth ship of the class, and she sails from Shanghai and Singapore, offering cruises throughout both Southeast Asia and Japan.
• Odyssey of the Seas is the fifth and last ship of the class, and she sails from Fort Lauderdale and Rome, offering Caribbean, European, and transatlantic cruises.

Quantum Class ships were designed to function in both warm and cold weather conditions, and the ships feature more indoor areas than other Royal Caribbean ships. Because of this, you can find Quantum Class ships doing a range of itineraries around the world, from Norway to England, Alaska, Thailand, China, Japan, and the Caribbean.

The ships are all of a similar length, gross tonnage (GT), and capacity (at double capacity):

• Quantum of the Seas: capacity of 4,905 guests, 1,141’ long, 168,666 GT
• Anthem of the Seas: capacity of 4,905 guests, 1,141’ long, 168,666 GT
• Ovation of the Seas: capacity of 4,905 guests, 1,138’ long, 168,666 GT
• Spectrum of the Seas: capacity of 5,622 guests, 1,139’ long, 169,379 GT
• Odyssey of the Seas: capacity of 5,498 guests, 1,138’ long, 169,300 GT

Quantum Ultra Class

Spectrum of the Seas and Odyssey of the Seas are technically in the Quantum Ultra Class. Quantum Ultra Class ships are very similar to the regular Quantum Class, and should be looked at more as a subset of the Quantum Class as opposed to an entirely different class of ship.

There are a few differences to note between Quantum and Quantum Ultra Class ships:

• The Sports Deck in the aft of a Quantum Ultra Class ship also has a SkyPad. The Skypad jets out over the side of the ship with a glass floor walkway of the ocean below.
• Quantum Ultra Class ships have a unified Main Dining Room as opposed to the separate dining rooms on the Quantum Class ships.
• They are slightly larger than the original Quantum Class ships.
• Quantum Ultra Class ships feature a Teppanyaki restaurant in addition to Izumi Sushi.

Activities and Things to Do

SeaPlex

A unique feature of the Quantum Class ships is the SeaPlex. Unlike on other Royal Caribbean ships where the sports court area is outdoors, Quantum Class ships have an indoor sports arena called the SeaPlex.

The SeaPlex is a hub of activity throughout the cruise. During the day it’s common to see complimentary dance and exercise classes available as well as pickleball, soccer, roller skating, and volleyball.

One of the most popular activities at the SeaPlex are bumper cars. Each Quantum Class ship has select times available throughout the cruise for bumper cars. As this is a highly anticipated activity a line usually forms, so be sure to go to the SeaPlex early.

Another unique activity in the SeaPlex is Circus School, where guests can try their best acrobatic skills on a flying trapeze.

On the upper level of the SeaPlex is an arcade as well as areas for activities like video games and table tennis.

RipCord by iFLY

Quantum Class ships are the only ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet to offer RipCord by iFLY, an indoor skydiving simulator. To participate in RipCord by iFLY, guests must first watch an introductory safety video to learn proper body positioning and hand signals.

Following the video, guests dress in proper attire and try to fly in the skydiving chamber.

On most sailings, there is both a complementary and extra cost option for RipCord by iFLY. The complementary option includes a one minute flight time whereas the fee for a longer flight of two minutes is usually around $49.99.

Advanced flying lessons may be available as well for an extra charge.

North Star

The North Star is one of the most popular activities on Quantum Class ships. It is an observation capsule that rises from the pool deck to 300 feet above sea level to provide 360-degree views of the ship at sea or in port.

On most sailings the North Star is complementary when the ship is in port and comes with a fee of around $29.99 when the ship is at sea. The North Star is weather-dependent and if it is too windy or rainy, it will likely not be operating.

Skypad

The Skypad is available on Spectrum and Odyssey of the Seas. This is a bungee trampoline where guests can jump on trampolines while attached to a harness. There is also a virtual reality experience available with the Skypad, where guests put on a virtual reality headset to play games while jumping.

Other activities

Quantum Class ships also have a rock climbing wall and FlowRider. There is no mini golf available. The only water slides on Quantum Class ships are the kids-only slides at Splashaway Bay on select ships.

Pool Deck

The pool deck on a Quantum Class cruise ship has both an outdoor pool, indoor pool, kids splash area, and an adults-only Solarium.

Because Quantum Class ships were designed to function in all types of weather conditions, they have an indoor pool with a retractable roof. This area is climate controlled to allow for swimming even on the most chilly mornings when cruising to places like Alaska.

In addition to the indoor pool is the adults-only Solarium. This is a space for guests 16 and older. The Solarium on Quantum Class ships is totally enclosed with a see-through sunroof. It features hot tubs, a multi-level pool, and plenty of seating opportunities. The Solarium Bistro is also found here.

The Solarium is a complementary venue with the exception of China sailings, where it is reserved for Gold and Silver suite guests.

The kids area at the pool is the older H20 Zone on Quantum and Anthem of the Seas, whereas Ovation, Spectrum, and Odyssey of the Seas have the upgraded Splashaway Bay. The H20 zone is more of a splash pad area with water sprayers.

Splashaway Bay, one the other hand, has several small water slides and play areas, including a large bucket that dumps water over the area every few minutes.

The pool deck on each Quantum Class features a casual dining venue, plenty of seating, and several bars.

Entertainment and Venues on Quantum Class ships

There is no shortage of entertainment options on Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class cruise ships. Whether live latin music at Boleros, acoustic guitar at the English style pub, or comedians in the theater, guests will always find something to enjoy.

The primary entertainment venues on Quantum Class ships are the Royal Theater and Two70.

Two70 is an entertainment venue unique to Quantum Class ships. With floor-to-ceiling windows spanning 270 degrees, Two70 offers dramatic views of the ship’s aft. The venue is open to guests throughout the day and can be a great place onboard to relax and watch the world go by.

Two70 features technology in all of its performances. With six television screens that can be programmed to move in many directions, Two70 even hosts some virtual concerts with performers on the screen instead of in person.

Right near Two70 is Cafe @ Two70. This is a complementary, casual grab-and-go restaurant open for breakfast and lunch, usually closing around 5PM. Cafe @ Two70 offers breakfast pastries, bagels, soups, salads, sandwiches, and more.

The main entertainment lineup on Quantum Class ships is as follows:

• Quantum of the Seas: Starwater Show in Two70; Sequins & Feathers and Sonic Odyssey in the Royal Theater
• Anthem of the Seas: Spectra’s Cabaret in Two70; We Will Rock You and The Gift in the Royal Theater
• Ovation of the Seas: Pixel’s Cabaret in Two70; The Beautiful Dream and Live. Love. Legs in the Royal Theater.
• Spectrum of the Seas: The Silk Road in Two70; The Effectors and Showgirl in the Royal Theater
• Odyssey of the Seas: The Book in Two70; The Effectors and Showgirl in the Royal Theater

Technological Features

Technology is at the forefront of the Quantum Class ships and is evident in the ships’ designs, activities, and guest experience.

The art on Quantum Class ships features technology, with some art pieces consisting of screens which can change color through touch. On Ovation of the Seas, for example, is a butterfly art piece. As guests walk by, butterflies “fly” away on screen.

A fun activity to try on Quantum Class ships is Expedition Two70. By using the Royal Caribbean app, guests can participate in a “scavenger hunt” in Two70. As you walk through the venue, virtual obstacles appear.

You must point your phone at the object and destroy it before moving to the next level. By completing each level, guests receive a virtual mask, and once all masks have been found, the game is complete. This can be a fun activity for kids or adults while onboard.

Spectrum and Odyssey of the Seas have a digital key option, where guests can open their stateroom door by using the Royal Caribbean app. Instead of fumbling around pockets and purses to find your SeaPass card, guests can simply open the Royal Caribbean app on their phone and hold it to the key on the door.

Quantum Class ships were also the first class of ships to offer a Virtual Balcony. Passengers staying in an interior cabin can book a room with a virtual balcony, which is a floor-to-ceiling television screen offering real time views from the outside.

All Quantum Class ships have the Bionic Bar, a venue where robot bartenders mix your favorite drinks. Guests can create a custom drink using an iPad ordering system or choose from a menu of featured drinks.

Differences between the Quantum Class cruise ships

Quantum Class ships share the following dining and bar venues:

• Chef’s Table
• Solarium Bistro (excluding Spectrum of the Seas)
• Windjammer Marketplace
• Izumi Sushi
• Wonderland
• Chops Grille
• Sorrento’s Pizza
• Cafe @ Two70
• Main Dining Room
• Schooner Bar
• Sunshine Bar
• Bionic Bar
• Two70 Bar
• Vintages (excluding Odyssey of the Seas)
• Coastal Kitchen (excluding Spectrum of the Seas)
• Jamie’s Italian (excluding Odyssey of the Seas)
• English-style pub (excluding Spectrum of the Seas)
• North Star Bar (excluding Odyssey of the Seas)
• Boleros (excluding Spectrum of the Seas)

One benefit of sailing on a Quantum class ship is the amount of outdoor dining space available. On Quantum, Anthem, and Ovation of the Seas, there are a couple outdoor dining options.

First is at the WIndjammer, with a patio at the very back offering views of the ship’s aft. This is especially a nice area on sailings through scenic areas such as the Alaska Inside Passage.

Second is the outdoor patio available at Jamie’s Italian. Guests can choose to eat indoors or at the covered patio outdoors. As the restaurant is on Deck 4, guests can enjoy close-up views of the ocean as they sail.

Quantum of the Seas

Other than the dining and beverage venues shared on all Quantum Class ships, Quantum of the Seas has Noodle Bar, La Patisserie, and the SeaPlex Dog House.

Noodle Bar is the pool deck dining venue on Quantum of the Seas, and has both complementary and extra cost options. Complementary options include chicken tenders and mini-hot dogs, and specialty items include chicken satay, Taiwanese spicy beef, and noodle soup.

As Quantum of the Seas will transition to a North American and Australian market following the conclusion of its Singapore sailings, some onboard dining and venues may change. However, due to the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, this may not be happening in the near future.

For example, currently located on the Royal Esplanade is a Japanese pharmacy. Here, guests can shop for Japanese beauty and wellness products. This is something that could change when the ship moves to the American and Australian market.

Likewise, the extra casino space on Quantum of the Seas may be turned into different venues. There is also no Diamond Club currently, and in its place is the Golden Room reserved for VIP Casino Royale guests.

Quantum of the Seas has has a total of 2,094 staterooms:

• 375 interior (including those with a virtual balcony)
• 148 oceanview
• 1446 balcony
• 125 suites

Anthem of the Seas

Other than the dining and beverage venues shared on all Quantum Class ships, Anthem of the Seas has La Patisserie, Johnny Rockets Express, and the SeaPlex Dog House.

Anthem of the Seas is the only Quantum Class ship to have Johnny Rockets Express. Located on the pool deck, guests can order classic American cuisine including milkshakes, hamburgers, french fries, and chicken tenders. Johnny Rockets Express is priced a la carte on Anthem of the Seas, with prices around $8 for a hamburger and $5.50 for a milkshake.

Anthem of the Seas is also the only Quantum Class ship with a full length Broadway musical. We Will Rock You is performed on Anthem of the Seas, which features some of Queen’s best hits including Bohemian Rhapsody, We Will Rock You, and Killer Queen. The Broadway show is complimentary for guests.

Anthem of the Seas has has a total of 2,091 staterooms:

• 378 interior (including those with a virtual balcony)
• 148 oceanview
• 1436 balcony
• 129 suites

Ovation of the Seas

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Other than the dining and beverage venues shared on all Quantum Class ships, Ovation of the Seas has La Patisserie, Fish & Ships, and SeaPlex Dog House.

Ovation of the Seas is one of two Royal Caribbean ships to have Fish & Ships. This is a casual venue located on the pool deck. Recently on Ovation of the Seas, Fish & Ships has offered both complementary and extra cost items, although the complimentary options are subject to change. Menu highlights included fish and chips, lobster roll, fried calamari, and a deep-fried candy bar.

Ovation of the Seas has a total of 2,091 staterooms:

• 378 interior (including those with a virtual balcony)
• 148 oceanview
• 1436 balcony
• 129 suites

Spectrum of the Seas

Spectrum of the Seas is based out of Asia, so the onboard restaurants and venues are geared toward the Chinese market. Because of this, there are more differences to note on Spectrum of the Seas compared to other Quantum Class ships.

You will find more casino space on Spectrum of the Seas, including the Golden Room and VIP Casino located in the Royal Esplanade. These rooms are in addition to the Casino Royale on Deck 3.

As opposed to Boleros, as you will find on other Quantum Class ships, Spectrum of the Seas has Star Moment. Star Moment is a karaoke venue where guests can sing karaoke in front of other guests or rent out a private karaoke room with up to ten other passengers.

Dining & Beverage on Spectrum of the Seas

Other than the dining and beverage venues shared on all Quantum Class ships, Spectrum of the Seas has Teppanyaki, SeaPlex Dog House, Splashaway Cafe, La Patisserie, Noodle Bar, Sichuan Red, Leaf & Bean, The Hot Pot, and the North Star Bar.

Many of these dining venues are found on other Royal Caribbean ships, whereas a few are unique to Spectrum of the Seas.

Leaf and Bean is a tea and coffee shop specializing in both Chinese and western beverages and pastries. Menu selections include a Hong Kong Milk Tea, Thai Tea, Dragonfruit Cheese Tea, and a Blue Mojito.

Splashaway Cafe is located right next to Splashaway Bay on the pool deck and offers kid-friendly cuisine including mini-hot dogs, chicken tenders, and sesame fried chicken. Asian-inspired cuisine is also available, such as spicy Kung Pao chicken over rice and hot soup.

Another restaurant unique to Spectrum of the Seas is Sichuan Red. Inspired by the diverse and spicy cuisine from the Sichuan region in central China, Sichuan Red is a specialty restaurant found only on Spectrum of the Seas.

Menu highlights include Hoisin duck salad, tender beef with tofu, Kao Yu simmer pot, steamed Maine lobster tail, and Royal sea cucumber. Sides include spicy Sichuan noodles, wontons with spicy sauce, and fried rice. For dessert be sure to try the crispy black sesame balls.

Noodle Bar is a complimentary venue located within the Windjammer Marketplace. Here guests can enjoy a buffet selection of fresh noodle soup. Also located near the Windjammer is The Hot Pot. This is a specialty dining venue where guests can cook their meals right at their table inside a steaming pot of stock.

Unlike on other Quantum Class ships, Sorrento’s is located next to the Windjammer Cafe.

Spectrum of the Seas has a total of 2,137 staterooms:

• 366 interior (including those with a virtual balcony)
• 142 oceanview
• 1487 balcony
• 142 suites

Spectrum of the Seas is the only Quantum Class ship to have the Ultimate Family Suite. This is a massive, 2809 square foot suite that can accommodate up to eleven guests. Inside the suite are three master bedrooms, one kids room, an in-suite slide, recreation room, balcony with a jacuzzi, and a master bathroom that extends over the side of the ship.

The Suite Club is another unique feature found only on Spectrum of the Seas. Located on the upper decks of 13 through 16, this was the first suites-only area in Royal Caribbean’s fleet. Spectrum has two suite tiers: Gold, with 36 suites available, and Silver, with 106 suites available.

Gold is the most exclusive suite tier on Spectrum of the Seas. Gold guests can choose to dine in the Gold Dining and Lounge restaurant on the ship’s top deck. They can also access The Balcony, which is an exclusive outdoor area also located on the top deck of Spectrum of the Seas.

Silver guests also have their own private restaurant and lounge as well on Deck 13. There is also The Boutique, a room that can be used for Gold and Silver guests for private shopping, wine tastings, and small parties.

Odyssey of the Seas

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Other than the dining and beverage venues shared on all Quantum Class ships, Odyssey of the Seas has Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, Teppanyaki, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, Starbucks, El Loco Fresh, and The Lime & Coconut.

El Loco Fresh is a casual pool deck lunch option that serves grab and go burritos and quesadillas as well as a taco and nacho bar. A topping station is available with a selection of salsas, guacamole, and hot sauce.

Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen is the newest Italian restaurant in Royal Caribbean’s fleet. Menu highlights include a meat and cheese platter, selection of traditional pizzas, spaghetti carbonara, and steak muffuletta. Located next to Giovanni’s is Giovanni’s Wine Bar, where guests can enjoy a variety of Italian wines and small bites.

The SeaPlex on Odyssey of the Seas differs from other Quantum Class ships. Located within the SeaPlex is Playmakers, a sports bar complete with televisions, table games, and even a private room that can be reserved to watch sporting events.

Playmakers serves sports bar food such as hamburgers, chicken fingers, onion rings, nachos, and fries.

The SeaPlex is also home to Zone Zero. This is a 4D virtual-reality experience where guests physically roam and interact with the world around them while wearing a full virtual reality suit. This activity comes at an extra cost and is accessible by reservation only.

Odyssey of the Seas Pool Deck

The Pool Deck on Odyssey of the Seas has a totally different design than the other Quantum Class ships. While it follows the same layout, Odyssey of the Seas has the new Caribbean style pool deck also found on ships like Freedom and Navigator of the Seas.

The Caribbean style pool deck features tropical decor and colors. It has several casitas, which are covered, padded day beds available to reserve at an extra cost. Outside of the casitas are standard pool chairs as well as comfy loungers throughout the pool deck.

As opposed to the Pool Bar and North Star Bar on other Quantum Class ships, Odyssey of the Seas has The Lime & Coconut. Following the pool deck’s tropical color pattern and vibe, The Lime & Coconut features island-inspired drinks such as the Rum Runner and Goombay Smash.

One important difference is that Odyssey of the Seas has no indoor pool like the other Quantum Class ships. Instead, there are two outdoor pools.

There are also several hot tubs on the running track deck overlooking the pool deck.

Odyssey of the Seas has 2,105 staterooms:

• 366 interior (including those with a virtual balcony)
• 132 oceanview
• 1482 balcony
• 125 suites

Who is the Quantum Class best for?

The Quantum Class offers activities and amenities for every type of cruiser. As the second biggest class of ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, Quantum Class ships are definitely not small, but they are not as large as the Oasis Class ships, either.

Families will especially enjoy the Quantum Class. With activities like RipCord by iFLY, bumper cars, rock climbing, trapeze, roller skating, the North Star, and the FlowRider, it will be difficult for kids to be bored while on a Quantum Class ship.

Those who enjoy unique entertainment options will especially like watching original productions in Two70. Two70 is a venue unlike any other in Royal Caribbean’s fleet and the use of technology, music, dancing, and acrobatics is especially impressive.

Lastly, because Quantum Class ships were built for many types of weather, they can be a great option for sailings that may encounter bad weather. If it is raining while onboard a Quantum Class ship, there are still a plethora of activities to enjoy, whether in the SeaPlex, indoor pools, or Royal Esplanade.

Quantum Class Tips & Secrets

Making reservations on the Cruise Planner is important for any Royal Caribbean cruise, but is especially important when sailing on a Quantum Class ship. Activities like the North Star and RipCord by iFLY often have select complementary reservations available. Once those are fully booked, the only options left usually have a fee.

A “secret” about Quantum Class ships is the animal statue located near the rock climbing wall on the Sports Deck. These are also known as the ships’ mascots, and each ship has a different massive animal statue.

• Quantum of the Seas: Felicia the Bear, a 30-foot, eight-ton pink bear
• Anthem of the Seas: Gigi the Giraffe, a 32-foot, four-ton colorful giraffe wearing a bright pink inner tube
• Ovation of the Seas: Panda Family, a 6.5-ton mama panda helping her baby panda climb the side of the ship
• Spectrum of the Seas: A pile of five small pandas handing balloons to a small panda on the top of the ship
• Odyssey of the Seas: A pink cat playing with a ball of yarn

Some hidden secrets of Quantum Class ships include the following:

• Solarium bridge wings that hang over the side of the ship, which are fantastic viewing areas for sailaway
• Glass floor between decks 13 and 14 looking 9 decks down to the Royal Esplanade
• Solarium Bistro, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant within the Solarium that is usually less crowded than other dining venues

Love is in the air… and at sea!

Have you ever thought about the possibility of meeting the love of your life on a cruise ship? Laura and Jarrod West of New Braunfels, Texas did just that while on a Royal Caribbean cruise in 2004.

However, the two lost touch after the cruise. It wasn’t until several years later that they reconnected, started dating, and decided to tie the knot.

In honor of Valentine’s Day, we talked with Laura and Jarrod West to learn more about their Royal Caribbean Love Story.

How did you two meet?

Laura and Jarrod: On Explorer of the Seas in March 2004, I (Laura) was traveling with my family and some friends and Jarrod was traveling with his family. Jarrod approached me and my friends on the pool deck.

What was the rest of the cruise like after you met each other?

Laura and Jarrod: During the first cruise we met on, we hung out and got to know each other, along with other spring breakers on the boat.

At that time, guests 18 and up could drink beer and wine and access all the clubs and bars that guests 21 and up could. My group of friends and I told everyone we were 21 at the time instead of 18. Jarrod was 22 at the time.

I had lost my ship card on one of the last days of the cruise and Jarrod walked down with me to get a new one. After they printed my new SeaPass card, Jarrod noticed that customer service punched a hole in my card. He asked why and that’s when Jarrod first learned that I was only 18!

As a result, Jarrod (22) realized that he had been lied to about our ages, but we exchanged numbers anyway.

Did you stay in touch after the cruise?

Laura and Jarrod: Jarrod was living in Illinois and I was living in Texas, and we talked a lot on the phone through August of that year, but it became every once and a while after that (Jarrod was bad about losing his phone).

We never committed to dating or anything because of the long distance and I think Jarrod thought I was too young. So we would randomly talk on the phone every once in a while for 7 years without ever seeing each other.

We both were casually dating other people during that time, but I would always answer his calls. My friends would ask who I was talking to and I would casually respond with “the man I’m going to marry.” Of course my friends and family thought it was a pipe dream!

I even invited Jarrod to come to sorority formal but his work got in the way and he didn’t come. My mom told me to forget about him and that it was never going to happen. 

Meanwhile Jarrod began his successful career being the manager of Walmart.

How did you two end up reconnecting after such a long time apart?

Laura and Jarrod: Seven spring breaks later from when we first met, in 2011, Jarrod and I realized through social media that we were going to be on a cruise the same week and same itinerary but on different ships. I was on Allure with my family and Jarrod was on Freedom with his family. 

After our cruises were over, Jarrod had a 4 hour layover in Dallas and that is where we first saw each other again and reconnected (Jarrod gave me a kiss as soon as he got into the car).

We both agreed it was really special that we both reconnected and before he got on his flight back to Illinois, he asked if he could come back to Dallas and take me on our first official date.

A few weeks later, April fools weekend 2011, Jarrod flew in not knowing anything about Dallas. I made him take me to a nice/expensive surf and turf dinner, the Dallas Aquarium, and we went to a Texas pool party with friends. I mean… I had to wait for 7 years for this guy; the least he can do is take me somewhere nice!

Before flying home, Jarrod asked me to be his girlfriend, told me he loved me the same day, and we agreed to give the long distance relationship a try and did so for about a year.

I heard Jarrod proposed onboard a Royal Caribbean ship. Can you tell me more about that?

Laura and Jarrod: In March of 2012, Jarrod scheduled a cruise and invited me to come along with his family on Freedom of the Seas. The cruise was going to the Virgin Islands and stopped in St. Thomas.

While in St. Thomas, Jarrod and I booked a midday catamaran excursion. That morning, we got off the ship early and did one of Jarrod’s parents' favorite things to do: shop for diamonds at Diamonds International.

While there, I pointed out a few designs that I really liked and settings… and little did I know that Jarrod had taken my feedback and pointed out what ring and setting he wanted for an engagement ring.

Jarrod and I rushed to our excursion and his parents stayed behind to ensure the ring was put together just right. After a great day on the catamaran and a few *cough cough* drinks to boot, we got back on the ship to get ready for dinner.

While I was in the shower, Jarrod’s parents came to the room and gave Jarrod the ring he had purchased. They were excited and wanted him to propose that night at dinner.

Jarrod took me to Chops Grille and wined and dined me, but thought he needed more time to relax and let our food settle after a big day out on the island.

That night, one of the activities on ship was the Dancing Under The Stars party on the pool deck where a band was playing. During that dance party I stepped away to the restroom, and Jarrod asked the band if he could propose while using the stage.

The lead of the band told Jarrod to dance our way to the front and come on stage so he could propose. So we did just that, and at the end of the song, the band handed Jarrod the mic. He pulled me up on stage to which I replied “What are you doing?”

Jarrod was nervously going to his pocket to locate the ring. He told me to hang on a minute, and he found the ring and pulled it out of his pocket. Then he said into the microphone on one knee that he loved me and met the girl of his dreams on a cruise ship and couldn’t think of a better place to propose. And he proposed.

Jarrod moved to El Paso, Texas that next week, then I moved down there in May. We got married that next August in San Antonio, Texas. 

Are the two of you still cruising?

Laura and Jarrod: Cruising remains a big part of our life and something that we enjoy. Prior to covid we were cruising 5-6 times per year and we recently went on our first cruise since Covid. We are planning our 10 year anniversary cruise out of Italy to the Greek isles on the Odyssey of the seas and looking forward to that.

We have 2 kids, Autumn (8) and Carter (6), and they love to cruise too! We currently live in New Braunfels, Texas, where I am a teacher and Jarrod is still a store manager for Walmart. 

When we are not cruising we are busy with sports and extracurricular activities, but cruising remains our favorite getaway.

Both Mariner of the Seas and Independence of the Seas sail out of Port Canaveral, so choosing which ship to sail is a decision many cruisers face.

Both ships have been recently amplified through Royal Caribbean’s Royal Amplified program. Because of this, both Mariner and Independence of the Seas feature many of Royal Caribbean’s newest and most popular activities, restaurants, and entertainment.

The two ships have more similarities than differences, although there are a few key things to make note of before you decide which ship works best for you.

Overview

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Mariner of the Seas is a Voyager Class ship and, with her maiden voyage in November of 2003, is the older of the two ships. She has a length of 1,020 feet and measures 139,863 tons. The capacity of Mariner of the Seas is 4,000 passengers at double capacity.

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Independence of the Seas is a Freedom Class ship whose inaugural sailing was in May of 2008. She is larger than Mariner of the Seas, with a length of 1,112 feet and measures 154,407 tons. The capacity of Independence of the Seas is 4,515 at double capacity.

Voyager and Freedom Class cruise ships have a nearly identical layout. Many of the venues are in the exact same place on Mariner of the Seas as they are on Independence of the Seas. Since Independence of the Seas is longer, though, there is more room for additional venues, pool space, and retail. 

Food & Dining

Mariner of the Seas and Independence of the Seas share many of the same dining venues, with a few key differences. Of course, both ships offer complimentary venues including the Main Dining Room and Windjammer Marketplace.

As far as specialty dining, both ships have Izumi Sushi & Hibachi, Chops Grille, and Johnny Rockets.

Mariner and Independence both have Playmakers, Sorrento’s, and Ben & Jerry’s as well, but the layouts of the venues are different on each ship.

The Playmakers on Independence of the Seas is on Deck 4 and is a significantly larger space compared to the Royal Promenade location on Mariner of the Seas.

Likewise, Sorrento’s and Ben & Jerry’s have their own standalone shops on Independence, whereas they are part of Cafe Promenade on Mariner of the Seas.

The Italian specialty restaurant onboard is different on each ship. On Mariner of the Seas you will find Jamie’s Italian whereas Independence of the Seas has Giovanni’s Table. While the restaurants each serve popular Italian dishes, Giovanni’s Table tends to have more traditional Italian dishes while Jamie’s provides a modern take at Italian cuisine.

Mariner of the Seas has a Starbucks while Independence of the Seas does not. On the other hand, Independence of the Seas has a Sugar Beach, where kids and adults of all ages can stock up on their favorite candy and sweets.

Bars & Lounges

Independence of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas share many of the same bars and lounges, including the Pool Bar, Solarium Bar, Star Lounge, and English-style pub. 

Mariner of the Seas is one of two Royal Caribbean ships to offer The Bamboo Room, a Polynesian-themed bar in the Royal Promenade serving tropical-themed drinks including the Banana Colada and the Island Old Fashioned.

The venue transports guests to an island-setting with its tiki decor, bossa nova music, and colorful uniforms worn by the crew members.

Independence of the Seas does not have The Bamboo Room in the Royal Promenade. Instead the ship has Vintages. Vintages is Royal Caribbean’s specialty wine bar which offers an elaborate selection of wine from around the world.

This venue has a more tranquil atmosphere compared to the party-themed atmosphere found at The Bamboo Room. Wine tastings and other events are common throughout the day, although they come at an extra cost.

Independence of the Seas also has a Champagne Bar on the Royal Promenade. This is a relaxed, no-frills bar with comfy seating. While called a champagne bar, other drinks are available here.

Both ships have Boleros, the Latin-themed bar on Deck 4, although the Boleros on Independence of the Seas has more seating space than the venue on Mariner of the Seas.

In addition, both ships have a Viking Crown Lounge on Deck 14, which offers stellar views of the pool deck and ocean. While they are named differently (Olive or Twist on Independence and Ellington’s on Mariner), the venue is the same.

Entertainment

Mariner of the Seas and Independence of the Seas have the same selection of entertainment venues: the Royal Theater and Studio B. The shows performed on each ship are different, though.

The ice show in Studio B on Mariner of the Seas is the circus-themed Ice Under the Big Top. While not the best show for those afraid of clowns, Ice Under the Big Top transforms the ice skating rink into a colorful, dynamic carnival.

In the Royal Theater guests can enjoy the original production of Gallery of Dreams, which tells a story of a young artist whose sketches become reality. Gallery of Dreams takes guests on an adventure in both time and space to bring history to life.

Unlike Mariner of the Seas, Independence of the Seas has a Broadway show onboard. Guests can enjoy the full-length Broadway production of Grease: The Musical in the Royal Theater.

The ice show on Independence of the Seas is Freeze Frame. In this show, figure skaters take guests on a journey through memorable world events. Through set design with historic newspaper clippings, art, cars, fashion, and music, guests will feel as if they are time traveling while in Studio B.

Both ships have alternative entertainment as well, including comedians, vocalists, and live bands.

Pool Deck & Sports Area

As a Freedom Class ship, the pool deck on Independence of the Seas is longer than that on Mariner of the Seas. The main pool area is similar on both ships, with two main pools and several jacuzzis.

Of the two ships, Independence of the Seas features more pool deck activities for children. Independence’s pool deck has Splashaway Bay, an aqua park with waterslides, water sprayers, and water dump buckets. In addition, there is a baby splash zone as well as a full-sized pool connected to Splashaway Bay.

Mariner of the Seas does not have a baby splash zone or Splashaway Bay, but still has a variety of kid-friendly activities around the ship.

Lunch options on the pool deck vary by ship, too. On Independence of the Seas you will find Fish & Ships, which serves fish and chips, fried shrimp, fried calamari, lobster rolls, battered sausage, and more. Fish & Ships has an upcharge, with items costing between $3 and $10.  

On Mariner of the Seas is the Boardwalk Doghouse. This is a complimentary venue where you can choose from a selection of hot dogs and sausages with toppings including sautéed mixed peppers, onions, and sauerkraut. 

The adults-only Solarium on both ships are similar to each other. However, the hot tubs within the Solarium on Independence of the Seas are cantilevered, so they stick out 12 feet over the ship’s side with nothing but the ocean below!

The Sports Court on the two ships are nearly identical as well. Both feature The Perfect Storm Waterslides, a Skypad, colorful step climbers, a Flowrider, basketball court, and rock climbing wall.

Onboard Activities

Onboard activities are similar on Independence of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas. Both ships feature the following:

• Escape Room
• Perfect Storm Waterslides
• Skypad
• Colorful step climbers
• Flowrider
• Basketball court
• Rock climbing wall
• Ice skating
• Laser Tag

Itineraries

Independence of the Seas offers 3 and 4-night cruises to the Bahamas from Port Canaveral. The cruises visit Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay, and the 4-night cruise will have a sea day.

Mariner of the Seas has a wider range of itineraries. Here are a few itineraries you may see on the ship leaving from Port Canaveral:

• 5-night Eastern Caribbean and Perfect Day cruise visiting Labadee and Perfect Day at CocoCay
• 4-night Bahamas Getaway cruise visiting Grand Bahama Island and Nassau
• 4-night Bahamas and Perfect Day cruise visiting Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay
• 5-night Western Caribbean cruise visiting Cozumel and Costa Maya
• 5-night Caribbean and Bahamas cruise visiting Nassau and Labadee
• 4-night Western Caribbean cruise visiting Nassau, Grand Bahama Island, and Perfect Day at CocoCay

Mariner of the Seas also offers longer, 8-night sailings with itineraries visiting destinations including Bermuda, Aruba, Curacao, Bonaire, Nassau, Perfect Day at CocoCay, Puerto Rico, St. Croix, St. Kitts, and La Romana.

Which ship should I choose?

Deciding whether to pick Independence of the Seas or Mariner of the Seas comes down to a few considerations.

If you’re looking for a quick weekend getaway, Independence of the Seas has more options. With 3 and 4-night cruises on a consistent weekly schedule, there is more flexibility in when you can cruise. In addition, every cruise on Independence of the Seas visits Perfect Day at CocoCay.

If you are hoping to visit destinations other than just Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay, booking a cruise on Mariner of the Seas will be the better option. With a wider range of itinerary lengths and destinations, you won’t be constrained to just the same ports.

As far as the ships’ layouts are concerned, the two ships are extremely similar to each other. Many guests may not even notice that Independence is in a different class of ship compared to Mariner! The places where you may notice this, though, are at the pool with the large Splashaway Bay area or on the Royal Promenade which features a few more retail stores and venues.

Guests who love watching sports may enjoy the extra-large Playmakers venue on Independence, whereas guests who plan to sip tropical drinks all day will love The Bamboo Room on Mariner of the Seas.

Ultimately, since both Mariner of the Seas and Independence of the Seas were recently amplified, they will offer the chance to try out Royal Caribbean’s newest features and amenities. And again, the ships are more similar than different, so whichever you choose will lead to a fantastic cruise experience.